I Can't Type That! P@$$w0rd Entry on Mobile Devices

Kristen K. Greene, Melissa A. Gallagher, Brian C. Stanton, Paul Y. Lee

Abstract: Given the numerous constraints of onscreen keyboards, such as smaller keys and lack of tactile feedback, remembering and typing long, complex passwords — an already burdensome task on desktop computing systems —becomes nearly unbearable on small mobile touchscreens. Complex passwords require numerous screen depth changes and are problematic both motorically and cognitively. Here we present baseline data on device- and age-dependent differences in human performance with complex passwords, providing a valuable starting dataset to warn that simply porting password requirements from one platform to another (i.e., desktop to mobile) without considering device constraints may be unwise.