int maxLength = Math.max(a.length, b.length);

        int result = lengthEqual;
        for (int i = 0; i < maxLength; i++) {
            char charA = (i < a.length) ? a[i] : '\0';
            char charB = (i < b.length) ? b[i] : '\0';
            result &= (charA == charB) ? 1 : 0;
        }

        return result == 1;
    }

    /** The authentication type */
    private AuthenticationType type;