Randomly generated alphanumeric passwords are widely used to restrict access to computer networks but are readily forgotten, resulting in costs to both organizations and users. In order to address this, there is a need to develop and evaluate new forms of memorable passwords. Drawing on memory research and the importance of meaning, the efficacy of three alternative "password" systems having varying degrees of personal meaning were compared with the more traditional but personally meaningless randomly generated alphanumeric passwords. Twenty experienced computer users self-generated four-string variable passwords based on alphanumerics, symbols of personal meaning and faces. Additionally, participants were assigned a meaningless, randomly generated four-character alphanumeric password. Password memorability was measured in terms of acquisition (number of trials/time to criterion), retention (from forgetting functions) and retrieval (time to recall/recognize the passwords). Meaning was found to assist memorability and a mediating effect of familiarity was also observed. Contrary to expectation, self-generated, meaningful symbol-based passwords were not the best remembered of the password types studied but may still be a viable overall alternative.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.