Performing sensitive authentications, such as ATM PIN entry, in public spaces is a commonplace activity that is inherently susceptible to security attacks based on observation in person or via cameras. This paper addresses this problem with a system w...
Performing sensitive authentications, such as ATM PIN entry, in public spaces is a commonplace activity that is inherently susceptible to security attacks based on observation in person or via cameras. This paper addresses this problem with a system which allows users to enter PINs on their mobile devices and then transmit them securely for authentication using modulated patterns of light shown on the screen, sensed by a receiver unit and initiated by a physical action (placing the device facedown on the receiver). The advantages include the use of standard mobile devices and low cost sensing hardware. Furthermore, no pre-pairing is required as physical proximity guarantees security.