Investigating the Third Dimension for Authentication in Immersive Virtual Reality and in the Real World

George, C., Buschek, D., Khamis, M. and Hussmann, H. (2019) Investigating the Third Dimension for Authentication in Immersive Virtual Reality and in the Real World. In: 26th IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR 2019), Osaka, Japan, 23-27 Mar 2019, ISBN 9781728113777 (doi: 10.1109/VR.2019.8797862)

Abstract

Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a growing 3D environment, where social and commercial applications will require user authentication. Similarly, smart homes in the real world (RW), offer an opportunity to authenticate in the third dimension. For both environments, there is a gap in understanding which elements of the third dimension can be leveraged to improve usability and security of authentication. In particular, investigating transferability of findings between these environments would help towards understanding how rapid prototyping of authentication concepts can be achieved in this context. We identify key elements from prior research that are promising for authentication in the third dimension. Based on these, we propose a concept in which users' authenticate by selecting a series of 3D objects in a room using a pointer. We created a virtual 3D replica of a real world room, which we leverage to evaluate and compare the factors that impact the usability and security of authentication in IVR and RW. In particular, we investigate the influence of randomized user and object positions, in a series of user studies (N=48). We also evaluate shoulder surfing by real world bystanders for IVR (N=75). Our results show that 3D passwords within our concept are resistant against shoulder surfing attacks. Interactions are faster in RW compared to IVR, yet workload is comparable.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Khamis, Dr Mohamed
• Authors: George, C., Buschek, D., Khamis, M., and Hussmann, H.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• ISSN: 2642-5254
• ISBN: 9781728113777
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 IEEE
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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