Evaluating the effect of multi-touch behaviours on Android unlock patterns. (11th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Weizhi
• Is Part Of: Information and computer security. Volume 24:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2016-07-11
• Subjects: Graphical password -- Android unlock patterns -- Mobile security -- User authentication; Computer security -- Management -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Security measures -- Periodicals; Data protection -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.47
• DOI: 10.1108/ICS-12-2014-0078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4961

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the effect of multi-touch behaviours on creating Android unlock patterns (AUPs) by realising that users can perform more actions in touch-enabled mobile phones. Design/methodology/approach: The author conducted two user studies with a total of 45 participates and performed two major experiments in the main user study. Findings: The user study indicates that the multi-touch behaviours can have a positive impact on creating patterns; however, there are only nine touchable points for the original AUPs, which may reduce the usability when performing a multi-touch movement. Research limitations/implications: An even larger user study could be conducted to further analyse the patterns generated by users, that is, to analyse the specific password space by integrating the behaviours of multi-touch and to involve more types of multi-touch behaviours in creating an AUP. Practical implications: This work explores the effect of multi-touch movement on creating AUPs. The results should be of interest for software developers and security researchers for exploring the effect of multi-touch behaviours on the creation of graphical passwords on mobile phones. Originality/value: The author conducts two user studies with a total of 45 participants to investigate the impact of multi-touch behaviours on creating AUPs. In addition, to address the issue of usability, the author proposes two ways: increasing the number of touchable points and improve the rules of pattern creation.