Feasibility study of tactile-based authentication

Research suggests that human limitations are rarely considered in the design of knowledge-based authentication systems. In an attempt to foster entry to a system, individuals tend to choose passwords which are easy to recall. However, inappropriate selection can compromise data security. A novel approach has been developed to restore the balance between security and memorability through the use of the haptic channel. This paper introduces the Tactile Authentication System (TAS), which enables the user to authenticate entry through the ability to remember a sequence of pre-selected tactile sensations. The design process undertaken to develop distinguishable tactile stimuli for use within TAS is described, and details of the recognition-based tactile authentication mechanism are also presented. Findings from an empirical study reported in this paper, have revealed that 16 participants were able to authenticate access to TAS over the course of a one-month period, with low levels of error. The approach was found to offer benefits over conventional visual-based authentication methods. Tactile stimuli are presented underneath the fingertips, and are therefore occluded from others. As the sense of touch is personal to each user, tactile stimuli are difficult to describe in concrete terms, and cannot easily be written down or disclosed, thereby reducing the chance of unauthorized third party access.