iPhone 6 Touch ID Susceptible to Fake Fingerprint Hack

iPhone 6 Touch ID Susceptible to Fake Fingerprint Hack

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Sep 24, 2014

Rumor has it that Apple still has some refining to do with their Touch ID technology that is being used in their latest, iPhone 6. According to security researcher Marc Rogers of Lookout Security, the latest iPhone models are still vulnerable to hacking using the same fake fingerprint technique as used with the iPhone 5s.iPhone 6 Touch ID Susceptible to Fake Fingerprint Hack

The hacking technique works like this: A hacker lifts a fingerprint from a solid surface and creates a copy of the fingerprint using forensic techniques. These replica fingerprints can activate Touch ID sensors on both models of Apple smartphones: iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s.

While this can obviously cause major security breaches, lifting fingerprints requires a high-skilled individual who is not only familiar with forensics but has the skill and patience to accurately copy the fingerprint.

Rogers also noted that the iPhone 6’s fingerprint sensor is a bit more sensitive than its predecessor, which could enable it to support a higher resolution scan. Sure, this improved scanner may make it more difficult for an unskilled hacker, but no additional security measures are offered, like a time-based password requirement.

Apple has opened iPhone 6 to mobile payments with Apple Pay, Apple’s new mobile payment initiative that uses NFC to process payments wirelessly with a one-time token and Touch ID authorization for “security;” however, savvy hackers may be able to gain access to iPhone user’s credit card information.

Image by: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • AC Nio

    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. 3