International Business Machines Corporation
Thermal imaging protection

Abstract:

Thermal imaging protection is provided by, in response to detecting input of an access code on an input device: identifying a sequence comprising the access code; generating a bait code based on the sequence; and outputting a heat signature corresponding to the bait code using heating elements, such as resistor arrays, included in the input device. In some embodiments protection includes measuring temperatures of contact surfaces of the input device where the access code has been input; and adjusting a heat level of the heating elements based on the temperatures measured. Protection is further provided by storing the bait code; and in response to receiving entry of the bait code, activating unauthorized access countermeasures. In some embodiments protection includes, in response to detecting subsequent input of the access code: generating a second, different, bait code based on the sequence; and activating the heating elements based on the second bait code.