GB2454459A - Personal identification code entry device - Google Patents

Abstract

A data entry device used to enter a personal identification number into an ATM or other password activated device, having a touch screen or LED digit pad displaying a grid of 16 boxes, each box containing one of the numbers 0-9 in a random order. In order to proceed, the user types in their secure pin numbers (in the correct sequence) by pressing the numbers directly on the grid. Prior to each transaction, the numbers appear in different positions and with different numbers appearing more then once. This method of entering a users password makes the process of using such codes and pin numbers more secure.

Description

DESCRIPTION:

Title: RandomPASS'; a solution to a more secure passcode entry system RandomPASS is a more secure method of entering secret' pin numbers in unsecure public places when making payments/withdrawals using cash or credit cards and reduces the chances of pin fraud. At the point of pin number entry (for example: at public cash machines or at the tills of retail establishments) a grid of 16 squares appear on a touch screen (or 16 buttons with an LED digit on a pad to light up the grid numbers) and the required numbers of 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,and 9 are displayed in a random, non-uniform set of positions. Each number will appear at least once and some numbers will appear more than once (thus making up the 6 additional squares). The user then enters their existing pin number (usually 4 digits) by touching the numbers directly on the screen/LED digit pad in the correct order in order to pass security. The selected numbers then appear on the main screen hidden by the usual **** icons.

The next time they come to use their cash or credit card the 16 numbers in the grid/pad will appear in different, random positions and with different numbers appearing more than once, which means the process of entering a passcode or pin number is more secure.

RandoniPASS' simply translates as...

Random structure of numbers in a grid or on a changeable LED button pad.

PASS because it protects the users' passcode and users must get through the system in order to PASS security.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIM: With the RandomPASS pin entering system...

   -There are now 16 numbers to choose from when entering secure pin numbers, as opposed to the 10 in existing systems, which means there are more permutations to crack as a fraudster.

   -The numbers are positioned at random each time and not in a set, uniform pattern as in existing systems, which makes it harder for others to pick out what the secure pin numbers are by the hand movements and so less risk of pin fraud.

   -Some numbers appear more than once, as opposed to existing systems, which means it is harder for others to see which numbers are being selected.

   -At each time of use, the grid of numbers appear in totally different positions, with different numbers appearing more than once, to the last time. This means that at each time the pin number is required to be entered, the maximum amount of security is achieved.

   Overall, all of the above mean that the whole process of entering a private and secure passcode is much safer and pin number protection is greatly improved. KEY:

   Drawing ref I shows the password entry screen.

   User X has a unique, personalised and secure password of 6429 which they use to withdraw cash, pay for items using their credit/debit card, enter their on-line banking, etc...

   When the point for pin code entry arises, a basic 16 box grid appears. This grid has the required numbers 0-9 positioned at random in the boxes and some numbers appear more than once.

   User X then enters their unique passcode buy directly typing the correct sequence onto the screen or pad. In this example, the code of 6429 will be typed into the RandomPASS grid and as the numbers are selected, they will appear on the main screen hidden by the usual **** icons. User X has now successfully used their passcode and ensured the maximum amount of security to their unique code.

   Drawing ref 2 shows the new password entry screen.

   If User X was entering their passcode in a public area, there is a risk of someone seeing which points on the screen were touched... and ultimately result with the code being cracked. However, due to the random nature of the number grid, the next time *. .User X or a fraudster tries to ender the code, a new, random and completely different *set of numbers appear on the RandomPASS screen. * .I

   User X can now safely use their passcode in public places without the risk of ":4raudsters seeing which numbers they are pressing. * **.S * * ** . * *I * **