In the News
Your fingerprint may not be a secure log-in on one smartphone. In Samsung confirms glaring S10 fingerprint reader flaw, promises fix, Brian Heater at TechCrunch discusses how cheap screen covers have been used to fool the fingerprint biometrics reader of Samsung S10 devices. Heater explains that the S10 fingerprint reader was initially lauded as an advanced form of biometric security. However, a user was able to access a Samsung S10 with a fingerprint not saved on the device due to air gapping after the screen cover was used. Heater notes that recommendations to turn off the fingerprint option or enable additional security features have been made.
Our Take
Biometric security features were integrated into smartphones and smart devices to increase the security of the contents inside such devices. However, security is only maintained if these new technologies accomplish what they are intended to do. Smartphones contain an incredible amount of personal information and sometimes even access to financial data through banking accounts. Protecting the security of your smartphone should be a top priority. This is why biometric flaws like Samsung’s are dangerous. Always be sure to secure each account stored on your smartphone regardless of the level of security used to keep your phone locked. It is still better to have extra security defensives because your data is too important to lose.
Recommendations
How can you better protect your personal information on a cellular device?
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Make sure to update your devices and programs frequently to avoid running a compromised edition
- Minimize the number of accounts that have direct access to your bank account or card numbers
- Use safe password practices when creating online accounts, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible