A method, computer system, and computer program product for authenticating a user is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a user input via a pressure-sensitive input interface, the user input being indicative of a possible component part of an authentication code or pattern, determining a pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive input interface by the user when providing the user input, determining whether to ignore the user input as a component part of the authentication code or pattern based on the pressure applied and irrespective of the whether the user input is determined to be ignored, providing an input acknowledgement signal to an output interface for indicating the user input was received. An associated apparatus is also included.