A method for authorizing access to an associated resource based on processing a series of barcode orientation scans. The method receives, by a barcode reader, a series of barcode orientation scans. The method further determines if the series of barcode orientation scans match a pre-selected combination of barcode orientations stored on the barcode reader and authorizes access to an associated resource, in response to the series of barcode orientation scans matching the pre-selected combination of barcode orientations stored on the barcode reader.