1. A method of validating an identity of a user using a pointing device comprising the steps of: providing data for the display of a background image, the background image providing a user with visual reference points to help the user to remember and create their signature, providing data for positioning at least one object on said background image, receiving a sampled pointing device (PD) signature including a set of position vectors, said PD signature generated by sampling a plurality of events corresponding to positions of a cursor while operating said pointing device to provide data relative to said background image, comparing said sampled PD signature to a stored PD signature representing the identity of the user, and validating said identity of said user in response to said comparing step.