Multi-Factor Continuous Authentication

In the proposed program, we will develop a multi-factor continuous authentication system based on low-power sensor data and processing. The system is based on continuous tracking of physiological and biomechanical data obtained from the wearable devices and smartphones. Time series data from low-power sensor modules are streamed to a smartphone via a secure, short-range body area wireless connection. Prior work has shown that individuals have distinct and identifiable patterns involving physiology (e.g., pulse and respiration) and biomechanics (e.g., gait, upper body motion). Prior work has also shown that combination of initial explicit authentication followed by continuous authentication provides uninterrupted verification of the subject’s identity that is virtually impossible to spoof.The proposed work will focus on expanding existing techniques for characterizing individual-specific physiological and biomechanical patterns to develop a reliable continuous authentication system. The system can be used to secure various small form factor connected devices carried by the warfighter. The process involves secure onboarding of the wearable devices including device pairing. This is followed by continuous authentication based on real-time wearable sensor data and reliable on-body detection of the sensors.The framework involves the optimal distribution of computational requirements over the processing resources in the small form factor devices carried by the warfighter. This will involve optimal implementation of software in low-power microcontrollers (MCU) as well as high-performance application processors (AP). It also involves the separation of computational tasks between different devices (e.g., between smartwatch and smartphone).We will evaluate the system while the warfighter is engaged in various activities expected during operational deployment, ranging in activity levels from sedentary office activities to engagement in battlefield scenarios. The overall objective is to support DoD’s requirement for continuous, multi-factor authentication solutions for small form factor, low power devices.