Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
h a l f b a k e r y
Reformatted to fit your screen.

idea: add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, random

meta: news, help, about, links, report a problem

account: browse anonymously, or get an account and write.

user:
pass:
register,


             

Please log in.
Before you can vote, you need to register. Please log in or create an account.

View Slot PIN Entry

Only you can see what number you're entering
  (+1)
(+1)
  [vote for,
against]

Shoulder surfing mpt only puts you at risk of fraud - it makes you a lucrative mugging target too.

When visiting England I remember seeing Lloyds Bank ATMs that had positionable viewing slots so that only the user could see the balance. Basically, it's a slot that rotates up and down for people of different height.

I propose combining this with PIN entry. Instead of typing on the numeric key-pad, the user is shown which of the ten screen option buttons relates to which number. The relationship is random and is changed after each key press, so even if the PIN is 0000 it's impossible for a surfer to detect that sequential numbers are the same.

Why use the options buttons? So that the user doesn't accidentally key in his/her PIN into the numeric keypad without the scrambling.

The advantages of this system (besides security) are that it is compatible with all PINs and cards worldwide and requires only very minimal adaptation of existing NCR ATMs.

The disadvantage is additional complexity and potential confusion for users.

Therefore, I propose this system only be used in high risk areas, such as bus/train stations, clubbing districts, etc.

FloridaManatee, Jun 25 2003

PIN Disguise http://www.halfbake...idea/PIN_20Disguise
Same idea without having to re-learn the layout every time. [phoenix, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Hidden Glove PIN Entry http://www.halfbake...Glove_20PIN_20Entry
Solves the "over-the-shoulder" issue. [phoenix, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

[link]






       Sure. Just wear a shower curtain costume everywhere.   

       Seriously, a polarized panel in front of the keypad that the customer puts his/her hand up underneath to press the buttons (they will probably have to be backlit). Viewable only from directly in front.
Cedar Park, Jun 25 2003
  

       //I really hate those options buttons; they never quite line up with the labels on the screen. I also don't think you realize just how difficult and confusing matching a changing layout to a number is.//   

       The stick your hand in a glove/box/etc. ideas aren't practical - even from a cleaning perspective.   

       I don't want to use a layout - it couldn't be seen through a slot anyway. The buttons could be labeled A-J and the display could show:   

       1=E 2=C 3=D 4=I 5=F 6=J 7=G 8=B 9=H 0=A   

       //a polarized panel in front of the keypad that the customer puts his/her hand up underneath to press the buttons (they will probably have to be backlit). Viewable only from directly in front.//   

       The polarized thing probably won't work either, from my experience of one way mirrors and filters. If you can see it, likely a guy hovering over your shoulder can too.   

       There is one viable alternative - a security booth that doesn't allow anyone in after you. It might not suit people with kids, etc. And having been trapped in a booth for 3 hours in Seoul, Korea (and not speaking enough Korean to say "Call security, the door's broken") let me tell you it's not pleasant.
FloridaManatee, Jun 25 2003
  

       It's quite a cool idea, but I'm pretty sure the banks won't buy it, saying that the least able of their customers will get very confused. BUT they could offer it as an OPTION for people (like us?) who still have minds nimble enough to hack this system. As has been said, it's just a software change. Assuming the majority go for it, then the shoulder-surfers will always have to be aware that there's a good chance that they will be picking your pocket or mugging you for nothing, so will hopefully give it up completely.   

       But the would probably just target certain technophobe types.. suits me....
RusNash, Jun 26 2003
  

       Links.
phoenix, Jun 26 2003
  
      
[annotate]
  


 

back: main index

business  computer  culture  fashion  food  halfbakery  home  other  product  public  science  sport  vehicle