Authentication by Graphical Passwords Method 'Hope'

The security of data and user authentication is an important component of currently deployed security infrastructures. Typical text-based passwords and PIN codes have several drawbacks. Whilst short passwords are easy to remember they are insecure, whereas longer complex passwords are more secure but more difficult to remember. The disadvantage of user authentication systems can be solved by replacing typical alphanumeric passwords with a method using graphical passwords comprising images, which can be easily recognized by the user [1]. A mechanism was developed that makes use of graphically based passwords. A web-based prototype application was implemented that makes use of the new authentication mechanism.