A study showed that — within an appropriate framework — gait recognition could be a viable technique for protecting individuals and their data from potential crime.

A study led by the University of Plymouth asked smartphone users to go about their daily activities while motion sensors within their mobile devices captured data about their stride patterns.

The results showed the system was on average around 85% accurate in recognising an individual’s gait, with that figure rising to almost 90% when they were walking normally and fast walking.

There are currently more than 6.3billion smartphone users around the world, using their devices to provide a wide range of services and to store sensitive and confidential information.

While authentication mechanisms — such as passwords, PINs and biometrics — exist, studies have shown the level of security and usability of such approaches varies considerably.

Writing in Computers & Security, the researchers say the study illustrates that — within an appropriate framework — gait recognition could be a viable technique for protecting individuals and their data from potential crime.

Story Source: Materials provided by University of Plymouth. Original written by Alan Williams. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.