Authentication and supervision: A survey of user attitudes

User authentication is a vital element in ensuring the secure operation of IT systems. In the vast majority of cases, this role is fulfilled by the pa ssword, but evidence suggests that this approach is easily compromised. Whi lst many alternatives exist, particularly in the form of biometric methods, questions remain over the likely user acceptance, This paper presents the results of a survey that examines user attitudes towards a range of authent ication and supervision techniques. It is concluded that whilst there is st ill an element of reluctance amongst users to depart from the familiar pass word based mechanisms, many are convinced of the need for improved authenti cation controls. The acceptability to users of various new techniques is va riable, but many seem willing to consider a range of alternative methods.