A method and system for authenticating a user seeking access to a secured system in a public area. Access is granted when a user demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the user's personal characteristics stored in the system. The user initiates the access process by tapping into the stored characteristics without overtly stating information that may be overheard. The user statements reflect an awareness about the categories of user uniqueness without divulging details. The system response statements act to elicit further information from the user for response and the response statements are scored. After a cumulative score threshold is met, the user is granted access.