Survey of user authentication mechanisms
By:  Marianna B. Magno
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 65
Description: The use of a password as the only traditional user authentication mechanism has been criticized for its weakness in computer security. One problem is for the user to select short, easy to remember passwords. Another problem is the selection of a password that is too long which the user tends to forget. Long passwords tend to be written down carelessly somewhere in the work space. Such practices can create serious security loopholes. Consequently, this is a survey of alternative password mechanisms and other improved devices that are now available in the marketplace to enhance computer security. It taxonomizes the existing inventory of user authentication mechanisms such as biometrics, challenge/response, password, smart card and token. The use of a password as the only traditional user authentication mechanism has been criticized for its weakness in computer security. One problem is for the user to select short, easy to remember passwords. Another problem is the selection of a password that is too long which the user tends to forget. Long passwords tend to be written down carelessly somewhere in the work space. Such practices can create serious security loopholes. Consequently, this is a survey of alternative password mechanisms and other improved devices that are now available in the marketplace to enhance computer security. It taxonomizes the existing inventory of user authentication mechanisms such as biometrics, challenge/response, password, smart card and token.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): William J. Haga, Douglas E. Brinkley.

"September 1996."

Thesis (M.S. in Information Technology Management) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-63).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9996 01/16/97