A new form of identity verification could be in the works after the US military signed a deal for "next gen passwords".
According to Sky News, which has the contract document, biometric application programme interface (API) is based on the emerging field of behavioural-based biometrics, where algorithms are used to confirm identity by recognising the way a person uses desktop or mobile device.
So instead of using static characteristics such as a person's iris or fingerprint, the new system may include observing the rhythm of writing, or how a mouse or cursor is moved, or even frequent typographical errors and typing speed.
Demand for biometric solutions seems to be increasing. Several leading smartphone devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6, now come with fingerprint scanners.
Just before Christmas, research firm Acuity claimed that Christmas 2014 had been a bumper year for the biometrics industry. It cited the fact that consumers were capitalising on mobile payment technology to do their seasonal shopping more than ever.
And this month research by Visa Europe found that three-quarters of 16-24 year olds in the UK would feel comfortable using information such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition or retina scanning in place of traditional passcodes.