Authentication system and method

#The present inventive concepts relate to the field of computer systems requiring some form of user authentication.

#There exist many forms of user authentication systems providing different levels of security for user access to a computer system, an application, a network, a facility, or equipment, as examples. Various types of user authentication systems and methods require some form of user input or inputs via one or more forms of user input mechanisms. Such user input mechanisms can include a touch-sensitive keyboard or keypad, login fields, a microphone, or a camera, as examples. Some common forms of user authentication include username and password inputs into login field of a computer display. Other types of user authentication systems can require use of other types of mechanisms in the user's possession, such as keys or radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. Other types of user identification and/or authentication devices can read biometric inputs, and can include retinal scanners, fingerprint scanners, or face recognition devices. With any of the foregoing, once authentication is initially achieved, access persists indefinitely until the user ceases access (e.g., logout) or until a system timeout due to inactivity.

#There are many different approaches to authentication, and many have associated vulnerabilities and risks. Some systems impose certain password requirements on users when creating a password, such as imposing a minimum character length and special character, letters, and number requirements. Some systems automatically require a change of password periodically to enhance security. Some systems impose an independent form or authentication provided over a second channel, e.g., two-factor authentication.

#The present invention will become more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is an embodiment of an authentication system, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;

#FIG. 2A is flow diagram representing an embodiment of an authentication method that can be performed by the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;

#Various aspects of the inventive concepts will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

#It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” is not used in an exclusive or sense, but in an inclusive or sense.

#It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).