The Authentication Equation: A Tool to Visualize the Convergence of Security and Usability of Text-Based Passwords

Cathryn A. Ploehn, Kristen K. Greene

Abstract: Password management is a ubiquitous struggle of the modern human. Despite usability playing a vital role in authentication, many password policies and requirements focus on security without sufficient consideration of human factors. In fact, security and usability needs are often in contention. Until an improved authentication method beyond character input is implemented on a large scale, developing new methodologies for balancing competing requirements is vital.