Chris Laughlin

cmptrepair@hotmail.com

SEC 110 Summer 2011

In my opinion, the two methods of single-factor authentication that could be combined to provide a high level of multi-factor authentication are the One-Time Password and Swype Fingerprint Biometrics. Both of these systems are highly effective individually. However, when working in conjunction, these two systems tend to cancel individual weaknesses and augments strengths. A one-time password is an improvement over a standard password system, because they are dynamic passwords that change frequently. This cuts the longevity of any one password thus significantly limiting the possibility of prolonged unauthorized access to personal data. Swype Fingerprint Biometrics is a fundamental means of identification based on the uniqueness of human fingerprints. The Swype method is better than the static capture method, because it uses a small scanning device that scans the fingerprint through a small slit on the computer keyboard, This reduces the possibility of access through fingerprint reproduction. The sipe mrthod is fast and requires no mental effort. Combined these two single-factor authentication systems create a protection to hacking that due to the strengths of both is first ever changing and second extremely difficult to reproduce. Transient passwords create a moving target that

limits the use of any one password. This in unison with the individuality of fingerprints, augmented by the slit scanning technology, creates an almost invisible barrier. Invisible, because this barrier works on machine and physical input, both of which are unique, to the owner of the computer. If the fingerprint ere some ho ingeniously reproduced, still entry would be reduced in time, and conversely, if the password is stolen, it is unlikely that the fingerprint information would also be lifted, and consequently, highly unlikely that both methods would simultaneously fail, allowing unauthorized entry.