Multi-factor authentication security specialist Winfrasoft has released its PINgrid Software Development Kits (SDKs) for both Windows Phone and Microsoft Silverlight. The SDKs are designed to simplify the developer's task of integrating PINgrid authentication technology into existing Windows Phone apps and to rich content web-based applications written in Silverlight.

NOTE: PINgrid is an authentication technology standard that takes advantage of the human mind's "hard-wired" ability to remember patterns and shapes.

A user chooses a memorable pattern by selecting at least 6 squares on a matrix, keeping in mind the sequence of the squares. When they need to logon, they simply look at the challenge grid filled with seemingly random numbers and type in the numbers inside their squares. This produces a One Time Code as the numbers in the grid are different at each logon. The challenge grid can be displayed on a web page for 1.5 factor authentication or on a mobile device for 2 factor authentication.

The SDKs aim to reduce the time taken and the risk involved in enhancing the logon security of an application.

With around three lines of code, the SDK will get PINgrid up and running in any Windows Phone app, says Winfrasoft director Steven Hope. "PINgrid can be used virtually anywhere, from door access systems and mobile phone apps, to Internet banking websites," he said.

PINgrid technology is a mixture of mathematics, cryptography, psychology, and design. It utilizes 256-bit Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) compliant cryptographic algorithms (140-2, 180-3 & 198a) and is underpinned by OATH (RFC 6238) logic.