Methods for enabling pattern-based user authentication are described. During a registration phase for establishing user credentials, an end user of a computing device may select a matrix size for a matrix and select a shape of a shape size. The matrix of the matrix size may then be displayed and the shape of the shape size may be displayed such that the shape appears to overlay the matrix. The end user may move the shape over the matrix and as the shape is moved, the symbols of the matrix may be updated such that symbols arranged inside the boundary of the shape are not repeated, while one or more symbols arranged outside of the boundary of the shape are repeated. The order of symbols selected by the end user inside the boundary of the shape may be used to determine a pattern-based password.