German entrepreneurs claim to solve the password problem

Forgotten and mislaid passwords could be a thing of the past. A German start-up claims its typing recognition system will solve the problems associated with traditional password authentication.

Psylock was one of five finalists at the 2007 Global Security Challenge conference held in London yesterday. The annual competition, organised by former students from the London Business School, aims to encourage innovation in security.

The Regensburg-based company said that its system is based on recognising individuals typing habits including speed, rhythm, agility, corrective behaviour and use of shift keys. Using a neural network the system is said to be keyboard independent and can adapt to changes in typing behaviour. To access a PC or web application users must type a single sentence. Psylock said that, unlike passwords, typing behaviours could not be stolen or copied.

"There can be no password sharing and no access for former company employees. The system has a significant cost advantage over other biometric systems. It makes passwords obsolete." said a spokeperson.

The overall winner was NoblePeak Vision for a video surveillance technology that delivered groundbreaking night vision performance The company won a US$500,000 grant sponsored by the U.S. Government and mentorship with Paladin Capital Group.

The Global Security Challenge conference was attended by representatives from leading security companies and venture capital groups. It also featured a keynote speech from the former head of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), Sir Richard Dearlove.