Abstract

A computer network includes at least one client computer coupled to a server computer that dynamically changes a user's password each time the user logs on to the computer network. By changing the password during the log on process, network security is increased. The server computer includes a users databases that contains a password, a username (if desired) and a biometrics template value associated with each user registered to access the computer network. A biometrics sensing device, such as a fingerprint sensor, is connected to each client computer. The user attempts to log on the server by entering a username which is optional and activating the biometrics sensing device. Appropriate software and/or hardware in the client and server computers capture a sample from the biometrics sensing device and create a template value from the captured sample. The template value thus is representative of a bodily characteristic of the user who activated the biometrics sensing device in an attempt to log on to the server computer. The client computer then transmits the template value to the server which compares the template value received from the client computer with template values previously stored in the users database. If a match is found, the log on process completes. At some point during or after the log on process, the biometrics account manager changes the current password associated with the user to a new password and overwrites the previous password with the new password.

Other References

• O'Shea et al, "BioNetrix Suite Covers All the Bases" Dec. 27, 1999, Network Computing, Dialog Text Search, p. 1-7.
• Lapere, ASPeCT Deliverable D24: Vocal Password-Based User Authentication Report, Sep. 3, 1998, p. 1-20