Vítor J. Sá

Biometric technologies and their perception by the common citizen

This article presents the biometric technology and its perception by the common citizen in Portugal. The results of a systematic inquiry about the perception of the Portuguese on the biometric technology are presented, which involved 606 citizens. Through the article, we present the principal biometrics, subdivided in stealth and collaborative, and the main concepts on its evaluation. Following a simple method consisting in a survey by questionnaire, the most relevant conclusions are presented.

Study of the Perception on the Biometric Technology by the Portuguese Citizens

This article presents the results of a systematic inquiry about the perception of the Portuguese on the biometric technology, which involved 606 citizens. It is presented the principal biometrics and the main concepts on its evaluation. Following a simple method consisting in a survey by questionnaire, the most relevant conclusions are presented.

Global perspectives on cybersecurity education

Global cybersecurity crises have compelled universities to address the demand for educated cybersecurity professionals. As no shared framework for cybersecurity as an academic discipline exists, growthhas been unfocused and driven by training materials, which make it harder to create a common body of knowledge. An international perspective is still harder, as different nations use different criteria to define local needs. As a result, new programs entering this space are on their own to conceptualize, design, package and market their programs, as there is no globally accepted reference model for cybersecurity to allow employers or students to understand the extent of a given cybersecurity program. Building on prior efforts at ITiCSE 2010 and 2011, other sources and participant experiences, this working group will develop a taxonomy of approaches to cybersecurity education, capture its dimensions, and develop a corresponding global reference model.

Behavioural Biometrics for Authentication and Stress Detection – A Case Study with Children

This article presents a stress detection model based on real time collection and analysis of physiological signals monitored by non-invasive and non-intrusive sensors. The assumption of a state of stress is made taking into account the validation of a certain number of biometric reactions to some specific situations. The biometric data collected is also used to create a method capable of guaranteeing user’s authentication. To validate this model, an experiment was set, demonstrating that it is possible to infer stressful situations by monitoring some specific physiological signals.

Pointer dynamics as cognitive biometrics

Biometric authentication technologies aim to increase the precision of security systems and have given proof of their effectiveness. Cognitive biometrics, in particular, has shown the potential of raising security levels, although lacking somewhat in terms of precision and adequate research. Therefore, this study analyses the viability of the usage of the Pointer Dynamics biometric technique as cognitive biometrics, under certain conditions. To this end, an algorithm was developed, whose identity validation criterion is the execution of the individual pattern in the manner of interaction with the mouse, when selecting the grids of the graphic secret. Authentication and fraudulent authentication tests were conducted with two types of images, one with a supposed emotional meaning for the user, and one without. This was done so as to allow the comparison of results brought forth by the application of the technique with and without cognitive stimulus. Although results do not allow definite conclusions to be drawn, the fact is that the False Acceptance Rate of both the cognitive tests and graphs present marked relative variations, for thresholds between 4 and 7, which indicate that it is likely that the cognitive stimulus has increased the resistance to attempts of fraudulent authentication.

Study of the Perception on the Portuguese Citizen Card and Electronic Signature

This article presents an analysis of the adoption the Citizen Card in Portugal based on a survey, in which 601 citizens participated. The survey focused on the knowledge of the card and of its features, as well as in the digital signature capabilities. First the survey population was informed about the concept of the Citizen Card, its applicability, and the technological mechanisms associated with their use. We extracted a set of conclusions, which may be useful to countries seeking to implement this type of technology/procedures.