Threat Identified to Fingerprint Security for Phones

Posted under: Smart Technologies
Date: 2024-03-01
Threat Identified to Fingerprint Security for Phones

Researchers from the University of Colorado Denver and Chinese universities unveiled a new biometric vulnerability in smartphone fingerprint authentication. By capturing subtle finger movement sounds through built-in microphones, their system, PrintListener, infers fingerprint patterns, posing a threat to personal and national security. The technology can exploit social media and gaming interactions to collect fingerprints. Despite the booming fingerprint identification market, sophisticated attacks are emerging, including this sound-based method. To counter such threats, developers may prioritize enhancing acoustic privacy and security in device designs and conduct routine security checks. PrintListener offers stealthiness and efficiency, targeting both partial and complete fingerprints without extensive individual training. The researchers suggest implementing noise-dampening materials and developing less vulnerable authentication methods.

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