Authenticating Users in a Secure and Non-Intrusive Manner

SLU ID 21-012 | An Implicit Two-Factor Authentication Using Vibration Medium

Background

The contemporary two-factor authentication schemes require extensive user interaction, which hinders their adaptability. To address this problem, the current two-factor authentication proposals aim to authenticate a user automatically through some form of bio-metrics, personal movement, or environmental analysis. However, these schemes can involve the user having to wear a sensor, video monitoring of the user, or audio recording of the user's environment. Each of these alternatives poses serious privacy concerns. Moreover, they remain vulnerable in the case of the malicious party being in the same location as the user.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a reliable and zero-effort two-factor authentication method to provide security at the physical layer and protect the security of users even in the presence of co-located adversaries. The method is not intrusive on the user and does not require additional external devices. SLU researchers have developed and tested a prototype of the method under different environments. Results show an equal error rate of 0.0175 with an end-to-end authentication latency of approximately 3.86 seconds.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing user interaction

• Increasing adaptability of security mechanisms

• Minimizing the need for additional sensors and devices

• Minimizing intrusions of privacy

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include:

• Preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.