Fingerprint Scanners: How Secure is Your Smartphone?

Fingerprint scanners have developed into the alternative to memorizing infinite logins, passwords, and passcodes. These scanners aren’t just for select smartphones anymore. Even reasonably priced devices offer this additional security hardware. While scanners are likely to become more and more commonly used in the future, you have to ask yourself, “are fingerprint scanners as secure as people think they are?”

How secure are smartphones with fingerprint scanners?

CPR Cell Phone Repair is here to answer your questions about fingerprint scanners and determine how secure your smartphone really is.

• Hacked Fingerprint Scanners

In our fast-paced society, fingerprint scanners make it quick and convenient to access information. Unfortunately, we transmit our fingerprints everywhere making it quite simple for a hacker to make a copy of our fingerprints. A simple mold using glue or playdough is all it takes for hackers to gain access to all of your personal information. One can quickly recreate physical prints from doorknobs, keyboards, mousepads, glasses and so much more. Fingerprints may even be stolen virtually by breaking into apps and rebuilding a print from files stored on those apps.

• Smartphone Security and Law Enforcement

In some circumstances, if you use fingerprint scanners, police have the right to make you unlock your device without a warrant; thus allowing for inspection. But, if you secure your phone with a password or passcode, law enforcement has no such right. Fingerprints are easily available because they are routinely collected as part of essential police and legal procedures. Because fingerprints are physical evidence and not “testimony,” they are not protected by the Fifth Amendment.

• Passcodes vs. Fingerprint Scanners

Passwords and passcodes are often a safer option than fingerprint scanners because they can be changed easily and frequently. A secure password or passcode should be 16 characters in length and contain a variety of symbols, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and spaces.

If a hacker were to get ahold of your fingerprint, he or she could use it indefinitely or sell it to other hackers. If your prints get in the hands of government or private organizations, they could be utilized for a number of objectives such as document verification and criminal activity.

Although fingerprint scanners are convenient, don’t rely on them too much. Use technology wisely and don’t entirely abandon password usage. It’s smart to use two types of authentication and additional security measures when it comes to protecting confidential information on your smartphone.

If you are experiencing problems with your fingerprint scanner or have other tech repair needs, head to CPR where our expert technicians are happy to help. Because we keep parts for frequent repairs in stock, you can most likely receive a same-day repair. Find a CPR location near you!