Passwords are a popular means of authentication for online accounts, but users struggle to come up with and remember numerous passwords, resorting to insecure coping strategies. Previous research on graphical authentication schemes demonstrated that modifying the authentication interface can encourage more secure passwords. In this study (N=59), we explored the use of implicit (website background and advertisements) and explicit (word suggestions) cues to influence password composition. We found that 60.59% of passwords were influenced by the interface cues. This highlights the potential for future authentication interface design to nudge users towards creating more secure passwords. Our work discusses how designers can use these findings to improve authentication interfaces for better password security.    «

Passwords are a popular means of authentication for online accounts, but users struggle to come up with and remember numerous passwords, resorting to insecure coping strategies. Previous research on graphical authentication schemes demonstrated that modifying the authentication interface can encourage more secure passwords. In this study (N=59), we explored the use of implicit (website background and advertisements) and explicit (word suggestions) cues to influence password composition. We found...    »