PixelPin want to simplify security with image-based authentication
by Startacus Admin
London-based cyber-security startup PixelPin want to simplify security using image-based authentication to replace passwords.
Passwords need to be long and complicated in order to be in any way secure, and that means they can become difficult to remember; especially if you use a different password for every website and service you use.
There is a surprisingly low login success rate with passwords, with only 30% of people managing to log into sites successfully on their first try. As we all know, this can easily lead to being locked out, the consequences of which range from having to wait 15 minutes to having to go through a frustrating process of proving our identity with long-forgotten security questions, phone numbers we haven’t had for 10 years, and secondary email addresses that could be any one of a dozen. Logging into our devices can be 
easier, with simple PIN numbers or even pattern recognition.
So why can’t we have something as simple and secure online?
London-based cyber security startup PixelPin asked the same question, and found no reason why not, so they created their image-based login system.
It works simply by selecting or uploading an image, choosing 4 precise points on that image, and logging in. All you have to remember is the order in which to select those points, which is why the login success rate with this method is 92%. Particularly if you choose a busy picture, the number of possible passpoints on an image are infinitely greater than the amount of number combinations in a PIN and more secure than even a strong password, so this method of logging in is simple for you and extremely difficult for anyone trying to break in to your sites. And by its nature it isn’t vulnerable to security threats like brute force hacking or phishing.
Just recently, PixelPin secured £1.5m in funding from angel investors and led by Softbank’s spin-off VC, SBI Investment. This money will allow the startup to open a third office in Tokyo to complement their existing offices in London and Cheltenham.
It’s easy to see why they received this investment, as it is a simple but highly effective system, easy to integrate, and inexpensive for companies to use. And with PixelPin’s intention to become used for every site we log into, a picture really can speak a thousand passwords!
If you like the sound of this startup you might want to read up on:
Photocert - Digital transformation in insurance claims
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Workplace discrimination and failure to address social mobility costs UK economy £270bn per year according to research by graduate recruitment platform Debut.
dip is a free to download and free to use shopping companion app that shows users relevant high street deals based on their hyper-location.
The EdTech startup aiming to connect inspirational teachers with those looking for something a little different
Stigma around mental health struggles and burnout is costing the UK economy £1.4bn a year through unexplained sick days.
The UK leads Europe and are fourth in the world for scaleup investment after US, China and India, according to the Tech Nation Report for 2019.
Currently in private beta, Paypal for Instagram Influencers XPO is a payment processing app that is aiming to make it simple and secure to pay influencers!
Weengs is a London based startup that's on a mission to simplify order fulfilment for small ecommerce businesses, helping business owners & e-sellers grow.
The portfolio and assessment platform that facilitates fast feedback and collaboration between teachers, students and parents.
Top technology investors have been named as part of a high calibre judging panel for upSTART, Digital DNA’s 2019 startup competition as the countdown for startups to apply begins.
EDF Energy’s innovation accelerator, Blue Lab are on the hunt for the best new ideas that could spark innovation in the energy sector.
Published on: 22nd April 2019
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Stigma around mental health costs UK economy £1.4bn a year 15th May 2019 Stigma around mental health struggles and burnout is costing the UK economy £1.4bn a year through unexplained sick days.
- UK leads Europe in scaleup investment 13th May 2019 The UK leads Europe and are fourth in the world for scaleup investment after US, China and India, according to the Tech Nation Report for 2019.
- Energy Sector startups sought for EDF Energy’s 2019 Pulse Innovation Challenge 9th May 2019 EDF Energy’s innovation accelerator, Blue Lab are on the hunt for the best new ideas that could spark innovation in the energy sector.
- GovTech workspace to launch in London 30th Apr 2019 Workspace accelerator Huckletree and leading venture firm PUBLIC launches first GovTech workspace in Westminster, London.
