Formative Validity of A Novel Authentication Artifact for Augmented and Virtual Realities

Augmented and virtual realities (AR/VR) have matured significantly in the past decade. As these devices have matured, security has become an important consideration. Despite the ability to completely re-create interfaces in the AR/VR space, the most common tool for authentication remains the traditional password. Passwords have many known weaknesses, and have been blamed for many high profile cyberattacks, leaving much to be desired. This study, following the design science approach and utilizing a cognitive walkthrough, explores the formative validity of a novel authentication artifact designed for AR/VR space. We report on our results, and identify that the proposed artifact exhibits good usability and security properties based on the feedback of technological and cybersecurity specific experts.