Once users and developers realized that passwords were easily compromised they started thinking about biometrics, like fingerprints. But are they really safe? In a recent Kim Komando newsletter: http://www.komando.com/happening-now/347464/fingerprint-sensors-are-they-really-secure?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=notd&utm_content=2016-02-15-featured_news-title this is discussed in detail so I will provide only a piece of it.
Your fingerprint is like a really secure password, because everyone has a unique one. But it is more complex than that
“There are several ways that criminals can get past your fingerprint, to access your smartphone and all its contact.
- Capacitive scanners may not work if your finger is wet, or if you have a cut, scar, or scratches.
- Some fingerprint scanners can be fooled by a cast of a fingerprint. “This is a really big hole in security,” according to Kaspersky Lab. (Note: Some upcoming 3-D fingerprint scanners will fix this flaw.)
- Fingerprints can be stolen. “One can do it with a quality photo of a victim’s fingers. An SLR camera with a good zooming lens or even a magazine photo printed in high resolution are enough,” according to Kaspersky Lab.”
Fingerprint scanner technology is improving, but don’t assume it is perfect. And for those of us (and that is nearly everyone, who is using passwords make sure that they are secure. And that is a subject of another article..