Graffiti as Password - Secure and Memorable

Al writes "A group from Newcastle University has released work that significantly improves the Draw-A-Secret method of creating passwords. The basic concept behind Draw-a-Secret is that humans excel at image recognition and memory, so 'passwords' should be designed to leverage that ability. The people behind the new work have refined the technique by parsing the shapes with a flexible grid and using existing images as a background to reinforce memory of the password. Imagine having your password be a graffiti-laden alteration of your favorite politicians campaign photo..."

Comments

Get off my lawn!

[exploder]

Man, I'm tired of all these complicated new password schemes...my bank uses "security code", a "password", and an image, plus they ask you personal questions that half of us don't even have a definite answer to, such as, "what was your favorite candy as a child" or "what's your favorite vacation spot?" Even if I do remember the answer, I have to remember whether I capitalized, and exactly how I typed it. What a pain in the ass. I get locked out of my bank all the time.

God dammit, just let me pick a nice strong password. I can remember passwords.

I'd say less secure

[Kabuthunk]

I can't see how it's more secure. I'm sure many, many passwords will just be some random part of the background, like the bird or a tree, just coloured in.

Also... if we're so much better at remembering images, then one just has to glance at the screen someone is drawing on and then whoops... looks like they remember it too now.