Continuous Authentication Using Behavioural Biometrics: A Step Towards Enhancing Authentication for Distance Learning in Jamaica

As distance learning platforms become increasingly attractive among the Jamaican cohort of university students, there are renewed concerns around the exploitation of authentication protocols. The literature suggest that static authentication alone may not be sufficient in validating user identity. In the context of the distance learning environment, it is often challenging to demonstrate that the integrity of user sessions has not been compromised. In this paper, the researchers experimented and demonstrated the use of Behavioral Biometrics to; continuously authenticate students in a Distance Learning Environment. The key features/dataset used in this experiment originates from two (2) primary physical input devices (Keyboard and Mouse). This dataset aided in the development of a user biometric profile that would, in turn, authenticate a user based on statistical matching, utilizing a combination of algorithms. The results garnered from the study revealed evidence that suggested that the application of behavioural biometrics seems promising in enhancing user authentication as a mean of identifying genuine and imposter users on the distance learning platform thus meeting the regulatory requirement as established by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).