What to do to avoid the risk of pattern lock

The Dhaka Times Desk Apart from passwords and PINs, pattern lock is a popular means of security for Android smartphones. But this pattern lock also has risks. Take steps to avoid the risk.

Patterns are much easier to remember than PIN codes or passwords. So almost 40 percent of Android phone users in the world use this pattern lock method.

Recently security experts have warned that this pattern lock system can be broken in just 5 attempts. Complex design patterns can be broken down more easily. Experts have proved that it is not just words.

Researchers from the University of Bath, Lanchester University and China's Northwest University said in a security study that it is possible to easily break the smartphone's pattern lock with a camera phone and some simple computer vision software!

It is said that the software can detect the finger movement of the phone screen by capturing the video of the pattern that Android phone users draw while unlocking their phone. Within seconds the software displays the possible movements to be accessed on the Android phone or tablet. Even if it fails to capture footage of what is being done on the screen or the shape of the device, the software can identify the pattern lock.

The researchers were able to pinpoint the pattern lock by recording video with a DSLR camera from a distance of two and a half meters. This means that such an attack could easily happen in a busy cafe or restaurant. For example, a thief can easily unlock the phone after it is stolen or someone can unlock the phone in the user's absence and install harmful malware.

The researchers conducted their test on 215 users. Of which there were 120 unique patterns and the researchers were able to break more than 95 percent of the pattern locks in just 5 attempts.

Most ironic to users is that complex design patterns are more easily broken than simple design patterns. So this is more scary news for those who used to use hard patterns for security.

If you are worried about breaking your pattern lock, cover your finger while drawing the pattern to be safe. This should be done especially when opening the lock outside in public.

In this regard, the researchers suggested that the pattern should be drawn in a mixed manner. Then the chances of pattern lock breaking or security breach can be greatly reduced.