Usability Study on Textual and Graphical Passwords

Abstract

One of the most common methods used for authentication are passwords, in particular textual passwords. However, maintaining multiple textual passwords across various websites or information systems could be an overwhelming task especially when it comes to memorability. An alternative is Graphical passwords as pictures could be easier to recollect. Pictures on the other hand could be memory intensive. As a result, this research explores the use of graphical and textual passwords by integrating the strong points of both password scheme thereby providing stronger authentication platform that may be difficult for attackers to break. The use of a background image for memorability and security purpose was adopted in the implementation of the graphical scheme. A usability experiment was carried out with users from diverse background. The users were given the developed system that integrates the two password applications to use. A questionnaire was then administered to enable them share their user experience. Results from the evaluation of the system showed high level of acceptance of the use of a graphical password scheme from participants, even though it was a relatively new concept to them. In particular, 82% of the users preferred graphical passwords as a more secure scheme against the other 18% who preferred the use of a textual password. The textual password length and combination was simplified by avoiding excessive length since the graphical password augmented in terms of security. Overall, 77% of the participants were able to successfully carry out each task highlighted in the questionnaire.