Why You Should Not Use Fingerprint as Lock in Android Smartphones

I still remember the launch of the iPhone 5s by Apple in September 2013. It was the first smartphone to host a fingerprint scanner on the main button that had commercial success. Nowadays, you will find a tactile identifier on just about every economic smartphone of the Chinese giants. It's become pretty much a standard and everyone uses it. But you should?

Well, I use a fingerprint to unlock a smartphone. It's fast and convenient. However, I often wonder if it's secure. A Twitter user shared a video recently showed how a $ 2 smartphone shell was able to bypass biometric fingerprint authentication. Scary things. You thought that they had perfected the technology after so many years, but unfortunately, no.

That's why you should consider not using a fingerprint reader to unlock your Android smartphone. I can not say much about iPhones at the moment because of the lack of evidence suggesting otherwise. But some points remain valid for you too. You are the judge.

1. Samsung support

Samsung quickly tackled the problem and issued a statement via Engadget stating that she was working to resolve it. It is amazing how a simple transparent case can be used to get around something as safe as a fingerprint. It's supposed to be unique to each individual and impossible to rape.

But are they? Should you rely on biometric security if you need to protect your smartphone? Is it sure that a PIN or password, which takes longer to enter? The answer is no, and I will explain why.

2. Easy to work around

Let's say you are someone important. If I want to access your smartphone using biometrics, like a fingerprint, I can force you, knock you out, cut your finger and stick it on the scanner to unlock your smartphone against your will. Yes, I've had these Hollywood movie ideas, but it's not that difficult if someone is desperate.

Once I unlocked my friend's Android smartphone while sleeping for a joke. Well, he was not happy. My argument? At least I did not cut your finger in half! Google Pixel users are facing a similar problem and the company is currently working on a solution.

Of course, PINs and passwords take longer and are tedious compared to biometric authentication like IRIS, scanning fingerprints, but also more secure. Do you want my password? You will have to beat him out of me. Again, this is not a nice scenario, but at least I have more control and, in most cases, I will survive.

3. Land Laws

Depending on where you live and the laws that govern you, things will be different for you. In the United States, citizens are protected by the fourth and fifth amendments. I will make it easy for you. You may not be forced to unlock your smartphone unless you are stopped, if there is a probable cause, if the police have a search warrant or if you consent to a search, of your own free will. You have some protection against self-incrimination, searches, searches and unlawful seizures.

However, if you refuse to unlock your phone, it can have consequences. If in doubt, call EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) immediately for legal assistance. Police brutality is real in all regions of the world, to varying degrees.

This means that the font can not force you to unlock your device in the absence of all of the above. However, this will only happen if you use a PIN or password. If you use biometric authentication such as a fingerprint or face scan or retina, the police may force you to look at your phone or touch the touch-sensitive sensor. The 4th and 5th amendments do not offer any protection against this. You did not know it?

4. What happens when you are hacked

Speaking of compromise, hackers have known for some time now. They also know what is at stake and are actively seeking new ways to bypass biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanners and facial scanners.

It's an interesting idea, is not it? If your password is compromised, you can change it. You can use something longer, more complex and difficult to guess. If your biometric data, such as fingerprints or retinal scan, are compromised, how can you change or update them? It would be scary, impossible and frustrating.

We talk about everything on your smartphone, such as emails, banking applications, images, videos, etc. We also use fingerprints to unlock password managers.

You can use better security

Once the damage is done, all you can do is control it. That's why it's called damage control. Prevention is always better. PINs and passwords associated with 2FA are more secure. The use of a smart combination can save your data and your day.

Then: Do you also use fingerprints on your computer? Learn how Synaptics can help make your computer more secure. Just like the safe of a bank.