Patent ID: 8041954

Claim:
A method for enabling a user to obtain access to protected resources, the method comprising: (a) providing a matrix to the user via a display means, the matrix containing, in random positions, the individual characters contained in a static PIN code previously defined by the user, with the remaining positions of the matrix filled exclusively by randomly selected characters; (b) receiving from the user, via an input means: (i) identification information that identifies the user; and (ii) a single passcode which is generated by the user in response to providing the matrix, the passcode comprising two distinct components: (A) a variable component, the variable component comprising characters selected by the user from those contained in the matrix based on a login combination previously defined by the user, the login combination comprising a specific number of characters entered in a specific, user defined sequential pattern, the pattern determined solely by relative positions of the characters in the matrix; and (B) the static PIN code previously defined by the user, the characters of which are contained in the matrix; (c) an authentication process performed by a computer processor, wherein the user obtains access to the protected resources when: (i) the user supplied identification information matches identification information associated with the user; and (ii) the user supplied passcode comprises both the static PIN code associated with the user and the variable component comprising the characters from the matrix matching the login combination associated with the user.