The question is “How can you guarantee your security with this new feature?” The truth is that you cannot be certain that someone will not be able to access your information. Researchers are giving more negative input than positive. According to one researcher "Relying on your fingerprints to secure a device may be okay for casual security – but you shouldn't depend upon it if you have sensitive data you wish to protect.”
There is a club called Chaos Computer Club whose goal is to find ways around operating systems like this. All you need is a fingerprint from a doorknob, or even from a glossy surface to pull the print. Do a few fancy things with it, such as photographing it at a 2400 pixel-inch scan, and then print it onto an overhead projector sheet of paper, add wood glue to it on top, let it dry and you will be able to use someone else’s fingerprint to access their information. It took the members of the Chaos club less than forty-eight hours to hack it.
The Washington post stated in a recent article “If hackers get a hold of your thumbprint, they could use it to identify and impersonate you for the rest of your life.” Not just to look at your photos but to potentially steal your identity. However, representatives from Apple have assured everyone that the fingerprint will be secure on a chip in the phone, and that no matter what kind of code can be ran on the processor, the chip physically could not be released.
As with all of your personal information, you need to be very cautious with it. Especially with something such as your finger print, just like your Social Security number, your fingerprint is specific to you alone and it needs to be protected. I expect many people will test the security of the new Iphone 5s in the next couple of months and if it proves to be secure, then I think Touch ID will be a convenient feature to have. However, if it proves unsuccessful, I do not think this cool new feature will be worth the risk of a security breach.
Peterson, Andrea, and Hayley Tsukayama. "Technology." Washington Post., 20 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
Arthur, Charles. "IPhone 5S Fingerprint Sensor Hacked by Germany's Chaos Computer Club." The Guardian., 23 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
Interesting article! A few months back I heard that Apple had quietly bought a fingerprint technology company and that there was speculation that Apple would be using fingerprint technology in the new iPhone. I wasn't too surprised when it was finally announced that they had incorporated the technology into the new phone. While I think it's a very cool idea to be able to unlock your phone with your fingerprint, it does throw out some scary possibilities. It has got to be a matter of time before criminals find out a way to hack into this fingerprint scanning technology. Personally, I'm okay with my normal number password.
ReplyDeleteYes that's the thing with new technologies, it creates new ways for criminals to hack personal information or whatever they are looking for. I agree that is a very cool new thing to have on a phone but it is also pretty scary at the same time to think that its possible for someone to steal your fingerprint.
DeleteI have heard that the iPhone has consistently had issues with security. I am guessing this is an attempt to resolve the issue, but it doesn't seem to be working in their favor. In all reality, if someone wants to get into your phone badly enough... they are going to figure out a way.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. I wouldn't trust Apple with my fingerprint unless I am completely certain that it will remain private.
Deletenice topic!. Iheard that iphone 5s fingerprints are not that private or the best password as they said because hackers can easily get hold of your fingerprint, they could use it to identify and impersonate you very easily. Many people nowadays, still have no idea how their apps work, and what information they are sharing to strangers.
ReplyDeleteEcaxtly! Imagine what hackers could do with access to your fingerprint!
DeleteI like the idea that apple provide the fingerprints for password. It is easier and faster to access into a device as well as make a payment... However, I also think it is going to be a problem as well. I assume that when you use your fingerprints to make a payment on some websites, these websites are able to keep your fingerprints and maybe use it to other purposes.
ReplyDeleteIt would be incredibly convenient if Apple could guarantee 100 percent that your fingerprint would remain private. Unfortunately, they can't.
DeleteAccording to Apple, the fingerprint is stored on a chip in your phone and you would only use it as your Iphone/Itunes password.