Researchers from the US and China have discovered that they can reconstruct a person’s fingerprint from the sound they make when swiping a touchscreen. This technique, called PrintListener, threatens the security of fingerprint biometric systems.
How Can Fingerprints Be Stolen?
PrintListener recreates the fingerprint pattern by analyzing the acoustic signals produced by the finger as it slides across the screen. Using the microphone on the smartphone, attackers can record the sound and steal the victim’s fingerprint.
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Effects of the Attack:
Fingerprint theft can have serious consequences, including access to sensitive information, financial losses and even compromised national security.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Attack:
- Screen savers: Using special screen savers on mobile devices can make it difficult to record fingerprint impressions.
- Voice analysis techniques: New voice analysis techniques can detect fingerprint sounds and alert users.
- Screen usage: Avoid swiping your fingers across the screen while making voice and video calls on social media platforms to avoid fingerprint recording.
The Future of Fingerprint Biometrics:
The market for fingerprint biometrics is growing rapidly. However, this discovery also raises concerns about the security of this technology. Researchers continue to develop more secure biometric authentication methods against fingerprint theft.
Additional Information:
- Research Article: “PrintListener: Exposing the vulnerability of fingerprint authentication through finger friction sound”
- Research Teams: University of Colorado, Tsinghua University, Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and
- Technology Global Fingerprint Biometrics Market: $21 billion in 2022, $75 billion in 2032 (forecast)
