Sweat shows promise as a new authentication approach for unlocking mobile devices

A concept paper published in ChemPhysChem has proposed a new biometric-based authentication approach for unlocking mobile and wearable devices, based on building an storing an amino acid profile unique to the device’s owner.

“We are developing a new form of security that could completely change the authentication process for electronic devices,” Jan Halámek (University at Albany; NY, UK) commented. “Using sweat as an identifier cannot be easily mimicked/hacked by potential intruders. It’s close to full-proof.”

Metabolites from skin secretions and sweat can be targeted for authentication analysis. To build a metabolite or amino acid profile, the device would have a ‘monitoring period’ where it would continuously measure its owner’s sweat levels at different times of the day to account for factors such as work patterns, age, sex, race and physiological state of the individual.

Once the profile is complete, the owner would be identified when in contact with the device.

The applications of metabolite profile analysis extend beyond the security of current authentication methods, and into accessibility. The device owner would not have to remember a passcode, or require specific finger movements to move beyond an ‘unlock’ screen.

“The current forms of authentication have proven to be less than ideal,” Halámek explained. “Passwords and pins can easily be seen over someone’s shoulder and there are many internet tutorials on how to create a fingerprint mold that is capable of opening a device. There are also issues with facial recognition, which often at times does not work correctly.”

The sweat analysis has been successfully tested in laboratory settings, but the next step is for the team to collaborate with an engineer who can help with implementation.

Sources: Agudelo J, Privman V, Halámek. Promises and Challenges in Continuous Tracking Utilizing Amino Acids in Skin Secretions for Active Multi-Factor Biometric Authentication for Cybersecurity. Chemphyschem 18(13): 1714-1720 (2017); https://phys.org/news/2017-11-chemist-analysis-electronics.html