I Can't Type That! P@$$w0rd Entry on Mobile Devices

Published

June 22, 2014

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

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

Passwords, authentication, security, memory, mobile text entry, typing, touchscreens, smartphones, tablets.

Citation

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 13, 2025)