Could we soon be using pictures for passwords?

New software has been developed for the latest mobile phones and handheld computers which use pictures instead of letters and numbers for security codes. The idea could be expanded into other areas, as the images would probably be more difficult for fraudsters to steal, and easier to remember, said researchers from Newcastle University.

The "graphical passwords" are drawn over a background, such as a photo of a flower, a map, a playing card or the night sky. The computer remembers the number of "pen" strokes used, where the image was started and the order in which they were made.

The system allows users to create passwords which are much more complex than the traditional numeric or alphabetical versions.

Dr Jeff Yan, a computer science lecturer, and PhD student Paul Dunphy developed the software known as BDAS - Background Draw a Secret.