US military to introduce ‘cognitive fingerprint’ passwords
The US military is looking to ramp up its digital security by scrapping traditional forms of password, fingerprint and iris recognition in favour of online biometric checks dubbed ‘cognitive recognition’.
Developed by researchers at West Point, the army’s military academy, this technique involves the application of behavioural-based biometrics which confirm identity by observing patterns in how individual users interact with their desktop or mobile device.
Factors fed into an algorithm include keyboard rhythm, cursor movement, typing speed and recurring errors – unique attributes which can distinguish particular users.
Quoting from an internal military document Sky News described how the new system might work: “Just as when you touch something with your finger you leave behind a fingerprint, when you interact with technology you do so in a pattern based on how your mind processes information, leaving behind a 'cognitive fingerprint'.
"The biometrics program is creating a next generation biometric capability built from multiple stylometric/behavioural modalities using standard Department of Defence computer hardware."
Whilst uses will initially be limited to military communications it is expected that techniques developed will eventually percolate down to consumer banking, shopping and the control of personalised gadgets.