Factors Influencing The Experiences of End-users in Password-Based Authentication System

Abstract Issues relating to password-based authentication has led to calls to an alternative in passwordless authentication. This call represents a comprehensive drift from password-based authentication irrespective of the introduction of multi-factor authentication, single sign-on and so on that are meant to strengthen the security of password-based authentication systems. As password-based authentication remains the most popular way of making sure end-users of computer, digital and information technology systems have authorised access to their valued assets and resources. The understanding of factors responsible for issues associated with password-based authentication continues to drive researchers and developers’ interests. This paper is a follow-up to an initial effort in understanding the experiences of end-users in password-based authentication. This study used questionnaire-based design administered online through Google form in eliciting information from end-users that will help in determining how much factors like password hygiene culture, use of password management tools, economic and social status of end-users and so on contribute to their password experience. A total of 193 respondents were used in analysis and the result provide factors that contribute and those that do not contribute to the experiences of end-users in their use of password-based authentication systems. The result of this study will go a long way in strengthening the design, deployment and utilisation of password-based authentication.