Date of Submission

2024-12-18

Supervisor

Dr. Faisal Iradat

Co-Supervisor

Dr. Nazim Taskin

Committee Member 1

Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Professor and Program Coordinator MS (CS) and MS (DS) Programs, Computer Science, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi

Committee Member 2

Dr. Muhammad Waseem Iqbal, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Comp Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat-Oman

Committee Member 3

Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khoja, Professor and Dean School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Computer Science, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi

Degree

Master of Science in Computer Science

Department

Department of Computer Science

School

School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS)

Keywords

Authentication, usability, security, privacy, password manager

Abstract

Navigating the balance between security and usability in online login systems remains a critical challenge. With the reliance on online services increasing, strong forms of user authentication should be implemented to enhance user security. However, the security enhancements create numerous cumbersome and confusing processes, leading to user discontent and ignorance of measures. On the other hand, focusing on usability can compromise security as it creates openings for intrusion into the systems. This thesis delves into the prevalent issues of current authentication methods through a comprehensive literature review and qualitative research. The literature review examines historical developments, current trends, security vulnerabilities, and usability issues. While qualitative research, including interviews with participants having different levels of technical expertise, gathers insights into real-world challenges and preferences. Our findings highlight a widespread reliance on alphanumeric passwords due to their familiarity but also expose significant vulnerabilities stemming from password reuse and management difficulties. In response, This thesis introduces an innovative solution tailored to address these challenges, blending robust security with user-friendly features. The solution mandates unique passwords for high-security sites, ensures automatic syncing, employs offline encryption, and provides intelligent password suggestions. Additionally, the solution includes customizable templates and multi-factor authentication options, catering to both security needs and user preferences. This thesis contributes a novel, user-centric approach to login security, aiming to simplify password management, encourage secure practices, and ultimately transform the user experience in safeguarding online accounts, with significant implications for the development of future authentication systems.

Document Type

Restricted Access

Submission Type

Thesis

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