“Huld was the only company in Finland that could provide all the expertise we needed – mechanics, software, cybersecurity, and much more – under one roof. Their ability to deliver a comprehensive solution made them the perfect partner for our project.”
–Naomi Woods, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cyber Security, University of Jyväskylä
The University of Jyväskylä launched a new research project aimed at developing the first inclusive multifactor authentication (IMFA) solution. The project focused on creating a secure and user-friendly inclusive way to log into online services.
Huld’s experts supported the University of Jyväskylä in further developing the research project across multiple areas, including service design, cybersecurity and threat modelling, user testing design, software development, embedded systems, and technical documentation. As a result, we developed a testing system used in academic research and stakeholder demonstrations, ready for the next development phase.
The research team at the University of Jyväskylä had been exploring a new authentication method that could revolutionize secure and user-friendly access to online services. The goal was to create the first ever inclusive authentication solution with a system that would seamlessly integrate smart devices, cloud services, and security while enhancing usability. The client wanted to test the concept in practice and present it to potential partners and customers. This is where they found Huld’s team to support them.
The collaboration with Huld began with service and solution design, where customer requirements, system functionality, and technical details were thoroughly examined. Huld’s experts played a crucial role in defining the user experience – how the service should look and function in practice. Through UI/UX design, we ensured that the service met user needs before any coding began.
As the project progressed, we also helped with project management, ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and task coordination. We utilized agile methods – tracking progress through regular sprints to maintain flexibility and efficiency throughout the development. In addition to design and documentation, we contributed to technical work, including frontend and backend development as well as mobile and cloud application development. We also developed an application for smartwatches, which became an integral part of the broader authentication solution.
Security was a key focus throughout the project, considered at every stage of the design. Close collaboration with cybersecurity consultants and threat modelling were employed across all system components to minimize potential vulnerabilities. This was reinforced by the University of Jyväskylä’s academic research and user testing. Huld’s experts were responsible for designing both physical and virtual testing environments.
As a result of our collaboration, the University of Jyväskylä obtained a demonstration system that enabled real-world testing and presentations. From the perspectives of quality, security, and sustainability, we ensured that the technological choices supported the solution beyond tomorrow.
The system functions across smartwatches, mobile applications, and web-based applications, allowing the client to utilize it in academic research as well as in presentations for stakeholders. This paves the way for the research project to the next stage of the development. The research group continues to develop the concept further with their new startup company Sala Secure.
“Our collaboration with Huld was excellent – from the very first contact to the completion of the project, their team was incredibly flexible and always willing to help. They adapted to our constraints, managed the budget efficiently, and helped ensure the project’s success.”
–Naomi Woods, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cyber Security, University of Jyväskylä