Mouse Dynamics

Mouse dynamics is a behavioral biometrics technology used to help validate a user's identity by analyzing patterns such as movement speed, direction, clicks, pauses, and other characteristics of the user's interaction with a mouse or pointer. Because these signals can be collected during normal computer use, mouse dynamics can also contribute to continuous authentication and intrusion detection solutions.

What is Mouse Dynamics and how does it work in continuous authentication?

How does mouse dynamics (a.k.a. mouse biometrics) work?

Mouse dynamics algorithms interpret data gathered from a mouse or pointer to build a behavioral profile. Mouse dynamics in authentication is essentially being able to help validate someone's identity based on characteristics of how they use their mouse.

Mouse dynamics can provide a behavioral signal because people differ in the way they move and interact with a pointer. Some elements that can be analyzed for authentication include timestamps for mouse movements, pointer locations and trajectories, movement speed, pauses, and the timing of mouse button presses.

Although mouse dynamics do not require additional biometric hardware, they may provide less information than other behavioral biometric methods when used alone. Mouse behavior can therefore be combined with additional signals such as typing biometrics for stronger continuous authentication. For example, TypingDNA ActiveLock is a Continuous Endpoint Authentication solution that primarily validates users based on their typing behavior and can also use mouse biometrics as an additional authentication signal. In ActiveLock, mouse verification is particularly useful during periods when there is little or no keyboard activity.

How is mouse dynamics used in continuous authentication?

Developments in mouse dynamics and other behavioral biometrics, such as keystroke dynamics, have enabled continuous monitoring of behavioral signals without repeatedly interrupting the user for authentication.

Traditional access control commonly verifies a user's identity at login. But successful authentication at the beginning of a session does not guarantee that the same authorized person remains behind the computer throughout that session. Continuous authentication can use behavioral signals such as typing and mouse dynamics to help detect when a different person begins using an already authenticated device.

Learn more about TypingDNA ActiveLock and how typing biometrics, mouse behavior, and other authentication signals can help protect company computers throughout an active session.