State space classification of Markov password – an alphanumeric password authentication scheme for secure communication in cloud computing

Purpose of this study is to classify the states of Markov Chain for the implementation of Markov Password for effective security. Password confirmation is more often required in all authentication process, as the usage of computing facilities and electronic devices have developed hugely to access networks. Over the years with the increase in numerous Web developments and internet applications, each platform needs ID and password validation for individual users.

In the technological development of cloud computing, in recent times, it is facing security issues. Data theft, data security, denial of service, patch management, encryption management, key management, storage security and authentication are some of the issues and challenges in cloud computing. Validation in user login authentications is generally processed and executed by password. To authenticate universally, alphanumeric passwords are used. One of the promising proposed methodologies in this type of password authentication is Markov password. Markov passwords – a rule-based password formation are created or generated by using Markov chain. Representation of Markov password formation can be done by state space diagram or transition probability matrix. State space classification of Markov chain is one of the basic and significant properties. The objective of this paper is to classify the states of Markov chain to support the practice of this type of password in the direction of effective authentication for secure communication in cloud computing. Conversion of some sample obvious password into Markov password and comparative analysis on their strength is also presented in this paper. Analysis on strength of obvious password of length eight has shown range of 7%–9% although the converted Markov password has shown more than 82%. As an effective methodology, this password authentication can be implemented in cloud portal and password login validation process.

The objective of this paper is to classify the states of Markov chain to support the practice of this type of password in the direction of effective authentication for secure communication in cloud computing. Conversion of some sample obvious password into Markov password and comparative analysis on their strength is also presented in this paper.

Validation in user login authentications is generally processed and executed by password. To authenticate universally, alphanumeric passwords are used. One of the promising proposed methodologies in this type of password authentication is Markov password.