In October 2012, Microsoft released its new operating system, Windows 8. Along with the operating system, it released for the first time a new authentication system called picture password.
Specifically designed for touch devices, it provides picture passwords with gestures that are set up by the administrator and then used to unlock any unit running Windows 8.
It could be a revolutionary new way to protect Windows 8, but new research conducted by Arizona State University , Delaware State University , and GFS Technology (PDF) shows that picture passwords are rather insecure since they can easily be broken by a hacker.
The whole idea is pretty simple: we all tend to use the same gestures for a certain type of photo. This way, a hacker can try multiple combinations until they successfully unlock the device and access the data.
If you don't understand, watch the video below
Microsoft, on the other hand, claims that its new technology is faster than regular passwords, which is why it recommends users use it on Windows 8 and Windows RT devices.
