ERIC Number: EJ1406412
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1051-1970
EISSN: EISSN-1935-4053
Smudge Attack Or: How to Secure Your Dirty Keypad
PRIMUS, v34 n1 p6-12 2024
We present a concrete situation where there is a difference between the theoretical security of a cipher and its limitations when implemented in practice. Specifically, when entering a PIN, smudges on the keypad substantially reduce its security. We show how the number of possible keys in the presence of the "smudge attack" can be calculated. Specifically, it turns out that in all interesting situations, a key with fewer smudges increases security. Possible extensions for use in an undergraduate discrete mathematics or cryptography class are presented.
Descriptors: Information Security, Computer Security, Coding, Undergraduate Study, Mathematics Education, Technology, Keyboarding (Data Entry)
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A