Authentication Practices at the User Interface: Vulnerability of Users and Organizations in Nigeria

摘要

Given the widespread use of password authentication in off-line and on-line correspondence, there is growing concern about password attack. Many projects focus on developing new technology around the password scheme without carefully considering the implications. In contrast, this paper broadly looks at user problems with passwords, types of attacks on user sensitive information, effect of password attacks on users, medium for executing password attacks in Nigeria and the vulnerabilities inherent in the 'user name and password' scheme. In this research, a survey of 51 organizations was carried out to ascertain the authentication scheme implemented for their operations. Findings reveal that the User Name and Password authentication scheme remain one of the most utilized schemes for authenticating users in Nigeria, thus exposing user information to attacks. This study therefore proposes some countermeasures that can aid in strengthening authentication schemes, and thus abate the attack strength of attackers.