University of Westminster

About: University of Westminster is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

A machine learning approach to keystroke dynamics based user authentication

Abstract: The majority of computer systems employ a login ID and password as the principal method for access security. In stand-alone situations, this level of security may be adequate, but when computers are connected to the internet, the vulnerability to a security breach is increased. In order to reduce vulnerability to attack, biometric solutions have been employed. In this paper, we investigate the use of a behavioural biometric based on keystroke dynamics. Although there are several implementations of keystroke dynamics available, their effectiveness is variable and dependent on the data sample and its acquisition methodology. The results from this study indicate that the Equal Error Rate (EER) is significantly influenced by the attribute selection process and to a lesser extent on the authentication algorithm employed. Our results also provide evidence that a Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) can be superior in terms of reduced training time and classification accuracy when compared with a typical MLFN back-propagation trained neural network.

A Survey of User Authentication Based on Mouse Dynamics

Abstract: This work surveys biometric based authentication systems that deploy mouse movements. Typically, timing and movement direction, along with clicking actions are used to build a profile of a user, which is then used for authentication purposes. Most system relies on a continuous monitoring process, or require the user to interact with a program (such as a game) in order to derive sufficient statistical information regarding their mouse dynamics. In this work, a novel graphical authentication system dubbed Mouse-lock is presented. This system deploys the analogy of a safe, and the password is entered via the mouse in a graphical equivalent of combination lock. The question is whether this approach elicits sufficient discriminatory information from a relatively minimalist degree of interaction from the user. The preliminary results from a study with six subjects indicates, based on FAR/FRR values, that this is a viable approach.

New Localism, Old Retrenchment: the 'Big Society', housing policy and the politics of welfare reform

Abstract: This article considers the ideology underpinning the 2010 UK Government’s welfare reform agenda in order to foreground what we see as the contradictions of new localism and the ‘Big Society’ programme as it relates to housing policy. The article has three sections. It begins by discussing some of the methodological challenges that arise in interpreting contemporary policy and the value of an historically informed approach to understand the wider ‘politics’ underpinning the ‘Big Society’ programme. To support our argument, the second part of the article traces the ‘localist’ agenda (mainly focused on England and Wales) back from the 1960s to the defeat of Labour in the 2010 general election to show how both Conservative and Labour administrations deployed localism as a justification for welfare reform and in the process created opportunities to extend the marketisation of social policy. The third section of the article considers the contemporary period, in particular reforms presented to parliament in 2011 that, if enacted, will provide new avenues for powerful interest groups to influence decisions that hitherto have been mainly the preserve of local government. The conclusion provides a summary of the key policy implications and theoretical issues that arise from the analysis.

The relationship between schizotypal facets and conspiracist beliefs via cognitive processes

Abstract: This study sought to replicate previous work showing relationships between components of schizotypy and conspiracist beliefs, and extend it by examining the mediating role of cognitive processes. An international online sample of 411 women and men (mean age = 35.41 years) completed measures of the schizotypal facets of Odd Beliefs or Magical Thinking and Ideas of Reference, conspiracist beliefs, and cognitive processes related to need for cognition, analytic thinking, and cognitive insight. Path analysis confirmed the associations between both schizotypal facets and conspiracist beliefs in the present sample. Confirmatory evidence was found for the association between analytic thinking and conspiracist beliefs, and results also suggested an association between cognitive insight and conspiracist beliefs. Cognitive insight also mediated the link between Odd Beliefs or Magical Thinking and Ideas of Reference with conspiracist beliefs. However, analytic thinking provided a mediating link to conspiracy ideation for Odd Beliefs or Magical Thinking and not Ideas of Reference. Finally, there was an association between Odd Beliefs or Magical Thinking and need for cognition, but this path did not extend to conspiracist beliefs. These results suggest possible mediating roles for analytic thinking and self-certainty between schizotypy and conspiracist beliefs.