14 DAY TRIAL // In theory, biometric authentication can be highly efficient in protecting information. However, as the recent attack on Apple’s Touch ID has demonstrated, in many cases, these systems can be easily bypassed by hackers.
New York-based technology company NexID Biometrics has developed solutions designed to secure biometric authentication systems against spoofing attacks such as the one used against Apple’s fingerprint sensor.
Now that Apple has broken the ice by integrating a fingerprint sensor into the iPhone 5s, it’s likely that other mobile device manufacturers will follow.
“Like most biometric modalities, fingerprints are not secret, and can be lifted from a variety of surfaces by a determined individual. Once a latent print is acquired, a mold can be produced from a variety of common materials, and used to spoof the target device into authenticating an unauthorized user,” said Mark Cornett, chief operating officer of NexID Biometrics.
Similar attacks can also be launched against iris, face, voice and palm biometric systems. However, Cornett highlights that this doesn’t necessarily mean that biometrics are not useful for protecting devices against unauthorized use. It simply means that device manufacturers should incorporate more anti-spoofing technologies into their products.
“The value proposition of biometric authentication is highly attractive from several standpoints, including convenience and productivity. And when combined with appropriate anti-spoofing technology such as that available from NexID Biometrics, it also includes the benefit of enhanced security,” Cornett added.
NexID performs several tests – not just through the methods used by hackers to crack Apple’s ID Touch – to constantly improve its anti-spoofing software. The company licenses its technology to various applications and markets, including mobile devices.
NexID Biometrics is demonstrating its solutions at the Biometrics Exhibition and Conference 2013 in London.