Patterned Locks Truly Secure?

Smartphones have become a device where you keep a lot of personal data. You may have information such as your credit card numbers, address or scanned personal documents. Because you have this sensitive data, you add a security method to prevent others from accessing it.

A popular security method around 40% of Android users chooses is a pattern lock. A pattern lock can seem more attractive as it is easier to enter. Also, no one can see you on particular letters and numbers. But, are patterned locks truly secure?

The Risks of Patterned Locks

According to new security research from Lancaster University, the University of Northwest China and the University of Bath, 95% of Android models can easily be guessed in 5 attempts or less. This study revealed that hackers could easily guess your pattern lock by filming yourself when you enter your pattern lock.

The hacker can easily be two and a half meters away and only uses the camera of his smartphone to register you by entering your pattern lock. If they were using a digital SLR camera, they could even be nine meters away, regardless of the size of the screen of the phone.

Once they have the video, they use a computer vision algorithm to process your finger movements. In a few seconds, the algorithm will give the hacker some possible pattern blocking combinations to try.

It is not necessary to register the display of your phone because the algorithm can give a possible combination by focusing only on the movements of your fingers.

Is it safer to use a more complex model? No, given that more complex, the easier they are to guess. This is because they help the algorithm to reduce the possible combinations. Dr. Zhheng Wang, lead researcher and co-author of the paper, said that people tend to use more complex models when trying to protect important financial information.

If you do not want to change your pattern locking method to a password or pin, try using a smaller one because they are not as easy to crack. Researchers also advise that users cover the display while entering their pattern lock, just like when you enter your pin at the ATM.

Keeping the display of your smartphone clean is also a good idea as someone can guess your model by the spots on the phone screen.

Pattern Lock Alternatives

If you are ready to leave your pattern lock behind, a pin, access to facial recognition or a fingerprint (if possible) are also excellent options. Traditional passwords are also a great option, but the longer they are, the better. Adding some special characters to your password will keep your information even better.

When you create your password, never use personal and obvious information. For example, never use your child's birthday or your spouse or your wedding anniversary.

Conclusion

Locking your Android device with a pattern lock is definitely more convenient, but it's not the safest method to choose from. Passwords to take more time to enter, but will do better to keep your data safe. What security method do you use? Leave a comment and let us know.