According to certain embodiments, an authentication system comprises memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions, whereby the authentication system is operable to provide a prompt for a user to make a set of facial expressions according to an authentication pattern. The authentication system is further operable to receive user data depicting the set of facial expressions and determine a confidence level based on comparing the user data to validation data. The validation data depicts previously validated facial expressions associated with the user and arranged according to the authentication pattern. The authentication system is further operable to authenticate the user in response to a determination that the first confidence level exceeds a first pre-defined threshold.