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I Can't Type That! P@$$w0rd Entry on Mobile Devices
Published
Author(s)
Kristen Greene, Melissa A. Gallagher, Brian C. Stanton, Paul Y. Lee
Abstract
Given the numerous constraints of onscreen keyboards, such as smaller keys and lack of tactile feedback, remembering and typing long, complex passwords an already burdensome task on desktop computing systems becomes nearly unbearable on small mobile touchscreens. Complex passwords require numerous screen depth changes and are problematic both motorically and cognitively. Here we present baseline data on device- and age-dependent differences in human performance with complex passwords, providing a valuable starting dataset to warn that simply porting password requirements from one platform to another (i.e., desktop to mobile) without considering device constraints may be unwise.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
Conference Dates
June 22-27, 2014
Conference Location
Crete
Conference Title
The 16th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
Greene, K.
, Gallagher, M.
, Stanton, B.
and Lee, P.
(2014),
I Can't Type That! P@$$w0rd Entry on Mobile Devices, Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Crete, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=914910
(Accessed October 9, 2025)