So, Apple had announced their new fingerprint technology on
their new iPhone 5S that is supposed to revolutionize security in the cellphone
industry. With their fingerprint recognition scanner, it would grant all
users the ability to use their own unique fingerprint designs to lock and unlock
their iPhones and to make quick purchases.
Similar technology is already being used in the Samsung Galaxy S4. The
S4’s eye tracking system allows for the user to scroll through their
browser, prevent the phone from falling into an idle state, and allow the user
to pause and play videos with the use of only their eyes.
As amazing as these functions are, exactly how safe are
these technologies when it comes to security?
In 2013, it is clear that biometric technology is developing
as a new standard for how we operate things. As stated in the New York Times,
“the use of biological markers like fingerprints, faces and irises to identify people are rapidly moving from science fiction to reality.” However, security measures are
always a concern, especially when introducing something as permanent as one’s
own body design.
The new buzz on the Internet is about a German hacker group
that had already “successfully bypassed the biometric security of Apple’s TouchID”
by creating a copy of the fingerprint. This was done by taking a
high-resolution photograph of a fingerprint on a glass surface and recreating
it, using either wood glue or liquid latex. Since people are likely to leave
their fingerprints on everything that they touch, the German hacker group stated
that “fingerprints should not be used to secure anything.”
As for eye-tracking technology on handheld devices, its use
as a dependable security measure has not been developed yet. However, it is
already being used in high security areas. As for facial recognition technology, Homeland Security is already
developing their own facial recognition system to pinpoint criminals in larger
crowds. Although there are apps for handheld devices that function similarly, it is only a matter of time until someone figures out a way to bypass the system.
The question lies on whether the cellphone industry is ready
to use biometric technology as a security measure. What do you think about this? Click on the link below to read an article on biometric technology and decide for yourself!
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