METHOD AND APPARATUS THAT ENABLE A COMPUTER USER TO VERIFY WHETHER THEY HAVE CORRECTLY INPUT THEIR PASSWORD INTO A COMPUTER

Upon input of a password to a computer, the password is subjected to a hashing function to generate an N-bit number. The N-bit number is used as an index to retrieve at least one object from a list of objects. The retrieved objects are presented to a user, and the user is prompted to verify that the objects are recognizable as the objects which the user knows to be associated with their password. If the objects are verified as being recognizable, the password is accepted as a correct and intended input. Alternative embodiments of this method, and associated apparatus, are also disclosed.