Image-based key exchange

A computing device, comprising:

• at least one processor;
• a camera module configured to operate an image capture device communicatively coupled to the computing device to capture at least one image of a display of another computing device, wherein the at least one captured image includes at least one encoded graphical image;
• means for processing the captured image to determine content of a secure authentication key represented by the encoded graphical image;
• and
• a storage module to store the secure authentication key on the computing device for subsequent use to generate a password to acquire access to a password-protected web service.

An article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium that stores instructions configured to cause a computing device to configure a mobile device to provide an authentication password for a password-protected web service, wherein the instructions cause the computing device to:

• capture, using an image capture device communicatively coupled to a first computing device, an encoded graphical image presented by a display of a second computing device, wherein the encoded graphical image indicates a representation of a secure authentication key;
• determine, from the detected encoded graphical image, the secure authentication key;
• store the secure authentication key on the first computing device;
• and
• use the stored secure authentication key to generate a secondary password to be used in conjunction with a primary password to acquire access to a password-protected web service.

A method for providing a secondary password authentication for a password-protected web service, the method comprising:

• receiving, from a user, a request for a secure authentication key;
• generating an encoded graphical image that includes at least one indication of the secure authentication key;
• and
• transmitting, for display by a first computing device, a graphical image that indicates a representation of a secure authentication key, wherein the secure authentication key is configured to be stored on a second computing device and subsequently used by the second computing device to generate a password to be used to gain access to a password-protected web service.