Towards Improving the Memorability of System-assigned Random Passwords

Given the choice, users produce passwords reflecting common strategies and patterns that ease recall but oer uncertain and often weak security. Addressing this usability-security tension in user authentication remains the key research issue in password studies for decades. In our research, we aim to understand how humans' cognitive abilities could be leveraged to design more secure and memorable authentication schemes. To achieve this goal, we draw upon multiple theories from cognitive psychology and implement them in the context of improving memorability for system-assigned random passwords.

In this workshop, we would provide a clear picture on our findings about the impact of memory cues and user interaction on the memorability of system-assigned passwords. We have conducted several studies in last three years including both lab and eld studies on different populations that accommodate young and senior users. The findings from our studies are promising and the experiences are worth sharing.