Method and apparatus that enable a computer user to verify whether they have correctly input their password into a computer
First Claim
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1. A method which enables a computer user to verify whether they have correctly input their password into a computer, comprising:
- upon input of the password, subjecting the password to a hashing function to thereby generate an N-bit number;
utilizing the N-bit number as an index for retrieving at least one object from a list of objects;
presenting the retrieved objects to the user and prompting the user to verify that the retrieved objects are recognizable as the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password; and
if the retrieved objects are verified as being recognizable, accepting the password as the user'"'"'s intended input.
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Abstract
Upon input of a password to a computer, the password is subjected to a hashing function to generate an N-bit number. The N-bit number is used as an index to retrieve at least one object from a list of objects. The retrieved objects are presented to a user, and the user is prompted to verify that the objects are recognizable as the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password. If the objects are verified as being recognizable, the password is accepted as a correct and intended input. Alternative embodiments of this method, and associated apparatus, are also disclosed.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method which enables a computer user to verify whether they have correctly input their password into a computer, comprising:
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upon input of the password, subjecting the password to a hashing function to thereby generate an N-bit number; utilizing the N-bit number as an index for retrieving at least one object from a list of objects; presenting the retrieved objects to the user and prompting the user to verify that the retrieved objects are recognizable as the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password; and if the retrieved objects are verified as being recognizable, accepting the password as the user'"'"'s intended input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Apparatus which enables a computer user to verify whether they have correctly input their password into a computer, comprising:
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a number of computer readable media; and computer readable program code stored on the number of computer readable media, the computer readable program code comprising; code for subjecting the password to a hash function to thereby generate an N-bit number; code for maintaining a list of objects; code that uses the N-bit number as an index for retrieving at least one object from the list of objects; code for presenting the retrieved objects to the user and prompting the user to verify that the retrieved objects are recognizable as the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password; and code that accepts the password as the user'"'"'s intended input if the user'"'"'s response to the verification prompt indicates that the user recognizes the retrieved objects as being the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification