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Is this the solution for password woes?

UK boffin has an idea...

By Aled Herbert

Published: 30 May 2002 12:15 GMT

A UK inventor has developed a low-tech solution to the high-tech issue of corporate passwords.

Martin Wren-Hilton has designed a system that uses a unique card with a list of 20 four-digit numbers next to common words, such as 'apple', 'cat' and 'dog'.

The card acts as a second line of defence after the user has logged on to the network. Once on the network, the system asks the user for one of the numbers by prompting for the corresponding word.

Each card is unique and useless to a hacker because numbers only work in conjunction with the user's password.

Wren-Hilton told the BBC: "There are lots of nerdy ideas about smartcards and other systems but generally they cost a lot of money and would only be necessary for people who need a high level of authentication for their jobs.

"This card would be the solution for the rest of us."

Wren-Hilton has applied for a patent.

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