Cogneto offers "cognometric" two-level authentication software

With so many companies entering the biometrics market, a company either has to be the best at a known modality such as fingerprint scanning or come up with a brand new one that nobody else has imagined. We reported last week, for instance, on Passface’s reverse biometric technology that relies on the human brain’s own natural ability to recall the faces of others when presented in a grid. Another interesting approach for on-line banking involves recognizing unique typing styles to authenticate users. Both are neat tricks, but London and Seattle, Washington-based Cogneto will not take it lying down. The company’s
“cognitive authentication”, or cognometrics, approach identifies people based on how they respond to a series of personal questions. Getting the answers right is only one part of it. The cognometric software also recognizes how quickly the user points and clicks at the correct answer, thereby providing a reliable biometric fingerprint.

In an unusual but progressive twist, Cogneto markets its solution as both fun and secure, with a touch of nostalgia built in for sentiment’s sake. The user is presented with five questions about particular events in his life, such as the flavor of cake at his wedding or his little league position. Nine possible answers are given, of which he chooses the correct one by pointing and clicking. Just answering the questions would be sufficient for PIN-level security, but Cogneto’s software, by monitoring click speed and response, provides an extra layer of protection. “How long it takes you to respond when it come up turns out to incredibly unique among individuals,” CTO Patrick Audley said.

-read more in this Computer Business report