A Novel Multi-Factor Authentication Algorithm Based on Image Recognition and User Established Relations

Abstract

Conventional authentication methods, like simple text-based passwords, have shown vulnerabilities to different types of security attacks. Indeed, 61% of all breaches involve credentials, whether stolen via social engineering or hacked using brute force. Therefore, a robust user authentication mechanism is crucial to have secure systems. Combining textual passwords with graphical passwords in a multi-factor approach can be an effective strategy. Advanced authentication systems, such as biometrics, are secure, but require additional infrastructure for efficient implementation. This paper proposes a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) based on a non-biometric mechanism that does not require additional hardware. The novelty of the proposed mechanism lies in a two-factor authentication algorithm which requires a user to identify specific images out of a set of randomly selected images, then the user is required to establish a self-pre-configured relation between two given images to complete authentication. A functional prototype of the proposed system was developed and deployed. The proposed system was tested by users of different backgrounds achieving 100% accuracy in identifying and authenticating users, if authentication elements and credentials were not forgotten. It was also found to be accepted by the users as being easy to use and preferable over common MFA mechanisms.