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nKode

Defining the Problem

Historical Context
- Passwords as cornerstone of "something you know" authentication since 1961 (MIT's Compatible Time-Sharing System)
- No major reinvention in over 60 years, despite evolving threats
Key Problems in Authentication
- High cognitive load: 12-16 character passwords rotated every 60-90 days; prone to reuse and errors under stress
- Vulnerabilities: Hacked at 95 per second globally; susceptible to phishing, keyloggers, and credential harvesting
- Tactical Edge Challenges: Difficult with tactical gear (e.g., gloves); bypassed in high-risk, low-bandwidth environments; limits multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Relies on static inputs: Keyboards, text-based passwords, and mental models outdated for modern threats
Alternatives like biometrics (facial/iris/fingerprint/voice): Effective in ideal conditions but constrained in low-light, noisy, or gloved scenarios
Emerging Tech: Zero Trust, edge computing, AI-driven security in systems like Tactical Assault Kits—but compromised by AI attacks, signals intelligence, and nation-state exploits

Topic area fit: Advances resilience, efficiency, and effectiveness for strategic systems across critical infrastructure and military C2 at strategic, command, operational, and tactical edges.
Mission tie: Supports DARPA’s aim to create technological surprise for U.S. national security.
nKode’s role: Reinvents “something you know” with keyboard-less, AI-generated icons to keep auth working in contested or low-bandwidth networks.
Surprise element: Resilient to credential reuse and keyloggers; can operate over unencrypted or bandwidth-constrained links without exposing secrets.
Operational benefits: Faster, low-cognitive-load access under stress; reduces bypasses and maintains mission continuity for edge tools like TAK.
Architectural alignment: Complements Zero Trust, edge computing, and secure operations in dynamic, degraded conditions.
Impact: Hardens C2 and critical infrastructure against AI-driven credential harvesting and disruption in contested environments.

How the Problem Is Addressed Today
- Long, complex passwords (12–16 chars), rotated every 60–90 days
- Prone to reuse, keyloggers, shoulder surfing; high cognitive load under stress
- Requires keyboards (impractical with tactical gear); MFA often needs secure channels
- High global breach cadence; controls get bypassed in high-risk environments
- Biometrics (face/iris/fingerprint): fragile under duress, dirt, gloves, or low light
What’s New in nKode’s Approach
- Patented virtual keypad with shuffling icons; AI-generated, user-unique icon sets
Vs. Passwords: No text entry; strong guessing resistance with compact inputs
Vs. Biometrics: No special hardware; reliable under pressure and harsh conditions
- Backend uses a CSPRNG (e.g., ChaCha20) to drive shuffling over low-trust links
- Resilient to keyloggers and replay; auto-rotation without user action; shoulder-surf resistant
- Field-ready path with TRL 5 progression
Why It Matters at the Edge
- Works in low-bandwidth or contested environments
- Cuts cognitive load and speeds access, reducing bypass behavior
- Preserves mission continuity for edge tools and C2 workflows

Adoption Risk: Authentication changes are high-risk; companies hesitant to be first adopters
Pitch History: Positive feedback from dozens (e.g., FIS, banks) over 10 years, but no implementations
Technical: Integration with legacy DoD systems; user training; device compatibility (rugged tablets)
Evolving Threats: Advanced AI shoulder-surfing; scaling to millions/billions of unique, psychologically neutral icons to prevent AI prediction of user selections
Mitigation: Leverage ERIS for rapid pathways; partner with McCrary Institute for validation

Market Validation: Independent survey by User Insight – 52% prefer nKode (vs. 28% passwords)
High Acceptance: 17% above "very high" benchmark (35%)
Team Strength: Veterans with cyber ops experience; TRL 5 proven
Dual-Use Potential: Defense (tactical edge) + Commercial
Evidence: Exceeds benchmarks; low friction deployment

Phase 1: Adapt commercial app for tactical edge; integrate with ATACs/Tactical Assault Kits
Phase 2: Field validation/testing in simulated environments; address barriers (training/integration)
Phase 3: Advance to TRL 6-7; deploy OpenID Connect for DoD systems
Timeline: 12-18 months; focus on low-bandwidth resilience
Outcomes: Prototype for warfighters; pathway to commercialization

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Defense Use Cases
- Tactical edge authentication: Secure access to Tactical Assault Kits/comms platforms in DDIL environments
- Warfighter resilience: Keyboard-less icons reduce errors under stress; resists keyloggers, phishing, AI attacks
- Zero Trust enablement: Auth over unencrypted/low-bandwidth channels; integrates with C2 systems/edge compute
Commercial Use Cases
- Banking/Healthcare/Infrastructure: Replaces passwords for online accounts; phishing-resistant, no credential reuse
- Dual-Use Potential: Scales to consumer apps; reduces MFA friction in high-volume sectors
Market Impact ("So What")
- Enhances mission success/safety: Faster logins, fewer vulnerabilities in contested ops
- Broad Adoption: Safeguards critical ops across sectors