An observation attacks resistant PIN-entry scheme using localized haptic feedback

Abstract

Common PIN-entry schemes are vulnerable to observation attacks. To enhance the resistance to observation attacks, some observation attacks resistant PIN-entry schemes for mobile devices based on audios and/or haptics have been proposed. However, none of existing observation attacks resistant PIN-entry schemes can achieve both good security and high usability. Herein, we propose a new observation attacks resistant PIN-entry scheme, Loc-HapPIN, for touchscreen devices providing localized haptic feedback. By using the technology of localized haptic feedback, the usability and the resistance to observation attacks are improved. Furthermore, the user can choose the efficiency-security setting suitable for him.