Alert! Your Android unlock pattern can be easily cracked in mere five attempts

India is an Android dominated nation. About 97 percent of mobile users own devices running Android. With the push for cashless society post demonetisation, it becomes even more essential to take mobile security very seriously. 

 

A new study from Lancaster University, Northwest University in China and the University of Bath show that attackers can crack the pattern lock within five attempts using video and computer vision algorithm. It can be done by covertly video recording the owner drawing the pattern. The software can then be used to track movements relative to the position of the device and the algorithm will produce a few patterns to access the device. 

 

In fact, the report adds that the attack works even if the screen content isn't visible in the video recording. The video recording from about two and half meters away offered accurate readings, according to researchers. Researchers evaluated such attacks using 120 patterns and 95 percent could be cracked. Complex patterns were used to make it harder, but researchers found they could be cracked easily. The research basically is contrary to the perception that complex patterns are difficult to crack. 

 

Another problem is people usually prefer the same pattern on multiple device, which makes it easier to remember the pattern. However, that means all your devices could be at risk. Researchers have suggested methods like covering fingers when unlocking a device, mixing patterns with other forms to be implemented by device makers and dynamically changing screen colour and brightness to confuse camera recording.