Simple Authentication for the Web

Automated email-based password reestablishment (EBPR) is an efficient, cost-effective means to deal with forgotten passwords. In this technique, email providers authenticate users on behalf of web sites. This method works because web sites trust email providers to deliver messages to their intended recipients. Simple Authentication for the Web (SAW) improves upon this basic approach to user authentication to create an alternative to password-based logins. SAW: 1) Removes the setup and management costs of passwords at EBPR-enabled sites; 2) Provides single sign-on without a specialized identity provider; 3) Thwarts passive attacks and raises the bar for active attacks; 4) Enables easy, secure sharing and collaboration without passwords; 5) Provides intuitive delegation and revocation of authority; and 6) Facilitates client-side auditing.