Passwords are a common way to authenticate in the online world. These passwords secure sensitive information or privileged access. But studies have shown that users tend to use weak passwords. Weak passwords could be prohibited technically, but this is often not wanted. An alternative approach involves the deployment of password meters designed to encourage users to create stronger passwords. Studies have shown that password meters lead to more secure passwords. This article investigates if previous findings regarding traditional password meters can be confirmed with an unconventional study design. Furthermore it analyzes the influence of a metaphor-based password meter design on password security. Results show that both password meters led to stronger passwords than the control group. However, the effect was only statistically significant for the traditional password meter.

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How Does a Password Meter Affect Password Security? An Empirical Study of a Traditional Password Meter and a Metaphor-Based Design

  • Simon Heim

摘要

Passwords are a common way to authenticate in the online world. These passwords secure sensitive information or privileged access. But studies have shown that users tend to use weak passwords. Weak passwords could be prohibited technically, but this is often not wanted. An alternative approach involves the deployment of password meters designed to encourage users to create stronger passwords. Studies have shown that password meters lead to more secure passwords. This article investigates if previous findings regarding traditional password meters can be confirmed with an unconventional study design. Furthermore it analyzes the influence of a metaphor-based password meter design on password security. Results show that both password meters led to stronger passwords than the control group. However, the effect was only statistically significant for the traditional password meter.