Galaxy S5 Adds Biometrics to Increase Security -- Security Today

Galaxy S5 Adds Biometrics to Increase Security

By Ginger Hill
Feb 25, 2014

Launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and being released in early April, Samsung’s new water- and dust-resistant Galaxy smartphone, S5, provoked a round of applause from attendees.

Galaxy S5 Adds Biometrics to Increase Security With a 5.1-inch, 1920x1080 display, S5 is pushing into “phablet” territory with this larger screen being housed in a larger chassis with a plastic backing.

Complete with a biometric fingerprint scanner to unlock the device as well as authorize online payments, Samsung has partnered with Paypal to offer payment-by-finger capabilities. It uses a unique encrypted key allowing Paypal to verify the customer’s identity. The S5’s fingerprint scanner also has the ability to store sensitive information accessible only by using the scanner and one of three fingerprints registered to the device.

The scanner sounds amazing, but just how safe is it?

Various media outlets are saying that this type of digital payment system could bring added security because devices would no longer have to store passwords or login details. But, remember that the iPhone 5s’ scanner had glitches that allowed the swiping of pet’s paws to gain access. (Sure hope “Rover” isn’t able to purchase things on a whim…might end up with a monthly $1,000 dog treat bill!)

This device has black-and-white mode that limits the power used by the device’s screen to save battery life and disables all but essential features, like texting and calling. And, the Galaxy S5 is healthy focused as it has a heart-rate sensor that tracks your pulse and provides info to S Health 3.0 to track steps taken and calories burnt.

The S5’s camera offers 16 megapixels on the rear camera and video capture of 4k resolution. It has a slow motion function, post-capture refocus selection and hybrid autofocus that is able to lock on in as few as .3 seconds.

It has been rumored that the S5 will use Tizen OS; however, for now, the Galaxy will be staying with Google’s system.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now
- Guard Services
Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now
- Active Shooter

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

AC Nio

Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.
A8V MIND

Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.
Luma x20

Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”