Method of using text and picture formatting options such as Font, Font Size, Font Color, Shading, Font Style, Font Effects, Font Underline

Method for authenticating a user wherein the credentials for user authentication, e.g. a user name, password, numerical PIN and/or picture is personalised by using one or more formatting options such as font, font size, font colour, shading, font style, font effects, font underline, character effects; and picture colouring, tinting, folding zooming, cropping, framing, as part of a user passwords or credentials. During authentication the user has to submit the correct user name and password and format using one or more formatting options. Captured credentials are compared against formatted credentials stored on a server, those that match are allowed access. Preferably a user has different passwords and/or formatting for different time ranges e.g. different formatting at different times of day or week. Alternatively multi-factor authentication is used, where the user is required to format given text or picture as per randomly generated instructions received sent to the user through one or more communication channels e.g. email, SMS, picture or video message. If a match occurs, the user is considered to be a real human user. The instructions are preferably encoded and decodable by the user via a decode key. Each authentication is logged and an alert issued.