Lessons from Brain Age on password memorability

ABSTRACT

User authentication involves establishing a user's right to access a system. Most user authentication is done with text passwords, which have advantages over other approaches, but more secure passwords are often difficult to remember. Nintendo's Brain Age games involve cognitive training which can improve memory. We examined Brain Age in search of insights towards helping users create and remember more secure passwords. Although Brain Age offers no techniques for memorising specific information, we discovered ideas for a new type of serious game that may help with password memorisation: Password Rehearsal Games.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.5 Security and Protection (D.4.6, K.4.2)

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.8 PERSONAL COMPUTING
      K.8.0 General
          Subjects: Games

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Security

Keywords:
memory, passwords, serious games, usable security