GrIDsure was a personal identification system which extends the standard 'shared-secret' authentication model to create a secure methodology whereby a dynamic 'one-time' password or PIN can be generated by a user. It was invented by Jonathan Craymer and Stephen Howes in November 2005. It has received positive media reception.
GrIDsure went into liquidation in October 2011 after investor funding dried up.
On the 18th of November 2011 Cryptocard announced it has acquired the intellectual property of GrIDsure which includes 8 patents that have been granted and a further 16 pending. Cryptocard was already a GrIDsure OEM partner and uses the product in their portfolio.
Video GrIDsure
Authentication method
In order to authenticate, the user is asked to input a series of numbers based on a preregistered pattern on a grid (that the user knows) and a grid of pseudo-random numbers generated by the authenticator. This results in a different series of numbers each time the user authenticates.
Maps GrIDsure
Academic reception
A study was carried out on the statistical security of GrIDsure by Richard Weber in the Statistical Laboratory of the University of Cambridge. He concluded "This is one of the most beautiful ideas I have seen in many years of looking at algorithms and optimisation problems."
In March 2008, an independent security researcher, Mike Bond, identified flaws in the Gridsure authentication scheme, specifically commenting on Weber's analysis, and concluded:
"The Gridsure authentication mechanism remains largely unproven. Studies so far are flawed or taken out of context; my own initial studies indicate further weaknesses."
The introduction to Dr Bond's paper states "This document is not intended to be a fully representative or balanced appraisal of the scheme."
University College London conducted a usability trial. In a covering letter to the study report, Professor Sasse states:
"Having looked at many mechanisms which have been proposed in recent years to overcome users' problems with PINs and passwords, this is the first one that has the potential to offer good usability and increased security at the same time."
See also
- security tokens
- Two Factor Authentication
Media coverage
- The Institute of Engineering & Technology Grid Expectations
- The Register UK start-up tackles PIN fraud with patterns
- Info Security Magazine Card issuer to adopt graphical Pin randomiser
- Security Park Pattern-based ID verification system combats online fraud
- Computing.co.uk banks seek fraud solutions
- Cambridge Evening News ID system the "perfect solution" to fight fraud
- The Guardian Unlimited Pick a pattern, not a PIN
- The Sunday Times Sudoku-style codes planned to defeat bank fraudsters
Notes
Source of article : Wikipedia
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