Improved password mechanisms through expert system technology

The successful verification of a user or entity wishing to use a computer based information system, lies at the core of the security of these systems. Although a vast number of different verification techniques have been proposed, password based methods remain the predominant method of choice. For this reason, if is essential that these methods be as effective as possible. The extensive ongoing research on more sophisticated methods are a clear indication that password techniques are not fully coping with the demands set by computer security authorities. This paper explores the use of expert system technology in the improvement of password mechanisms. It is proposed as a means of breaking through the “simultaneous-memorable-and-difficult-to-guess-barrier”, which is the single most important factor hampering the coming of age of password systems