DigitalPersona has open sourced its new MINEX-certified FingerJetFX fingerprint feature extraction technology. FingerJetFX, Open Source Edition (OSE), is free, portable software that device manufacturers and application developers can use to convert bulky fingerprint images into small, mathematical representations called fingerprint “templates” for efficient storage or comparison.
In the US it’s only a matter of time before everybody wants your fingerprint. McDonald’s uses them for employee check-in; my local library uses them for PC access. They always tell you it’s ok because they mathematically convert it into “templates.”
But what happens when a company looses your fingerprint template or allows it to be stolen? Are they going to give you a new finger?
As always, the individual pays the price, while the company skips away from any responsibility.
It’s probably a safe assumption that they’ll fall back to more traditional means of identity confirmation.
How exactly would you be paying the price?
benaili72,
Yeah, this is a long known problem with the technology. The sad thing is that even the most obvious ways to defeat the technology do work.
http://www.slideshare.net/anivar/biometrics-vulnerabilities-exploit…
Even mythbusters got in on it and managed to crack some production devices. The concept of biometric copying/theft has even made it’s way into fiction (Angels & Demons, Gattaca).
Anyone remember when a group copied the German Minister’s fingerprints because he was pushing for biometrics so strongly?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/30/german_interior_minister_fi…
I’m not against (elective) biometrics, but anyone implementing them should not oversell their security. Using biometrics on a supervised cash register is ok, using them on a locked safe/atm is probably not.
Biometrics works if you know how to use them. It can be summed up in:
Biometrics are good to verify that you are who you say you are. They’re not good for identifying who you are.
http://digitalpersona.com/fingerjetfx/