Peter Norrington: PhD in Authentication Techniques

Peter Norrington

PhD in Authentication Techniques

Before coming to the University of Bedfordshire, Peter Norrington studied at Sheffield University, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Nancy in France.

He is currently studying a PhD at the University’s Institute for Research in Applicable Computing. His study, Robust and cost-effective authentication techniques for online services, is investigating ways of making passwords more ‘user friendly’.

The 42-year-old’s research is funded by UK firm, Kinetic Solutions, as well as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The project will see him developing a prototype product for Kinetic Solutions using images to support or replace existing passwords.

His work involves following up research references to locate research material; designing experiments to test hypotheses and technologies; attending seminars and conferences to keep up-to-date with current developments in the field and network with experts; and writing up findings for publication.

Peter, who originally comes from Bristol, said: “With the increase in e-commerce, more websites need password security. At present, people tend to use passwords which are easy to remember – like birthdays or family names. Hackers are often able to identify such passwords easily and this compromises the security of the holders’ accounts.”

Before coming to Luton, Peter was Editor of the regional community magazine SPMag in Sheffield, where he worked for two years. In 1992 he completed a PGCE teaching certificate and took up a post as a teacher at the Sheffield Service for Sensory Impaired Children.

“This was a very rewarding job and I stayed there for almost ten years,” said Peter. “I have always been involved in community and voluntary initiatives and this job gave me a chance to teach and contribute to the local community.”

By 2003, Peter was ready for a new challenge, so decided to study a Master’s in Internet Technologies at the University of Bedfordshire.

He said: “I had been using computers and the Internet as part of my teaching and I was also designing the school’s website. I even secured some freelance work outside of school and this gave me a real taste of life as a web designer!”

After seeing an advert for the course, Peter decided to apply. “I knew I had the ability to do this course, so I went for it,” he said. “In addition, Luton has a wide range of amenities, great transport links and is a short distance from London. All this made it even more appealing.”

Not long after starting his course, Peter got involved in student politics and was soon elected Course and Student Representative for the Faculty of Creative Arts Technologies and Science.

Peter says he found the course challenging but enjoyable and graduated with a Master’s with distinction. This inspired him to stay on and study a PhD.

After finishing his studies, he would like to work in project management, research or teaching. “My mind is open to the endless opportunities that this PhD has already offered me, so I’m looking forward to the future,” he said.

Interview took place in 2006.

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Peter Norrington: PhD in Authentication Techniques