Two Big Problems with Fingerprint Security

Two Big Problems with Fingerprint Security

One tech expert says biometrics are good, but there are still problems to consider

  • By Matt Holden
  • Jan 29, 2015

Rafe Needleman, a tech expert for Yahoo, has listed a couple reasons why fingerprint security could be potentially crippling; although he also mentioned reasons why it is a good alternative to traditional password security.

Needleman says that eventually someone will figure out a cheap and easy way to steal fingerprints from everyday items like a pint glass. This could be considered hacking, but a more standard form of hacking could still occur if someone were able to hack Apple’s entire biometric system. The biggest problem with hacking biometrics is that people cannot change their fingerprints in the way they can simply change their passwords.

He recommends using both biometrics and standard password procedures as a failsafe.

The second, and seemingly more complicated issue, is that fact that no one can keep their fingerprint information to themselves the way they could a password. Someone could potentially be legally compelled to place their fingerprint on a scanner. There is no such thing as the 5th amendment on the right to biometrics.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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