User Acceptance of Multiple Password Systems: A Proposed Study

The traditional means of user authentication based on usernames and passwords is subject to a number of behavioral concerns that can significantly reduce the security provided. As such, an important part of proposing a new authentication scheme should involve careful consideration of behavioral factors. Little research has actually examined the role user acceptance plays in different authentication schemes. Our research in progress proposes the investigation of user acceptance of a cognitive password system comprised of multiple authenticators. Specifically we will investigate the role that password characteristics, such as number of passwords and password complexity, coupled with frequency of use, play in users’ perceptions and overall willingness to faithfully adopt an alternative authentication system.