In this article we will talk about fingerprint readers. This is a completely new method of protection, which is used relatively recently. True, for the first time this type of protection began to be used on laptops and PCs, then it gradually moved to phones. And today you can find many models of smartphones that provide for blocking with fingerprints.
What is a fingerprint scanner
This is a kind of security technology based on biometric data. It allows you to use a combination of software and hardware methods in order to recognize the fingerprints of a particular user. Using this method, it is possible to identify and verify the authenticity of a person's fingerprint in order to prohibit or allow access to a specific application, smartphone, laptop, as well as other places that need protection fromintervention.
It is worth noting that there are many other options for protecting information, for example:
- iris scan;
- biometrics;
- retina scan;
- scan facial features;
- even a special gait or blood test.
But this is not currently used in household appliances. True, there are smartphones that scan the iris of the eyes. But the implementation of such protection is difficult, so the functioning of the system is far from ideal.
Why prints?
One has to wonder why fingerprints are used? And it all comes down to cost and ease of manufacture. First, scanner boards are very cheap. Secondly, they are very easy to make. And most importantly, it is very easy to work with them when operating the final equipment. Just touch the scanner of your phone or laptop, and it will be immediately unlocked. There are three types of sensors that can analyze fingerprints:
- Ultrasonic.
- Optical.
- Capacitive.
Pros of using scanners
There are several advantages that can be highlighted when using such devices in phones and other equipment:
- You can lock and unlock your gadget with just one finger.
- This is a good way to identify people.
- Duplicateor it is very difficult to fake this technique.
- If the PIN or password can be guessed, it is almost impossible to hack or guess the fingerprint.
- You can forget your password, but your fingerprint will always remain with you (unless it is cut off, of course).
Disadvantages of using scanners
But you can also identify the disadvantages that are still present in such sensors:
- The work is not reliable, with a strong desire, you can deceive the scanner with fakes or prints taken from any surface.
- Unable to get new print samples. If you use passwords, codes, cards, then they can be replaced if necessary. But if your fingerprint becomes available to someone, it will not work to make a new one.
- The degree of encryption may also raise doubts. The security of all data that is stored on your computer depends entirely on who makes the software or hardware.
- The presence of even a small defect on the skin of the finger can cause difficulties in scanning, as a result of which access to resources will be denied.
Therefore, this technology is used exclusively in simple electronics. It's new, so it's far from perfect.
Reading problems
There are several reasons why a user may not be authorized. In the event that the sensor has stopped working, you need to look for a problem. And it can be hidden in the following points:
- The user's hands are fat orwet.
- An electronics failure has occurred, this will require turning the device off and on again.
- There is some defect on the finger. A small scratch is enough to stop the biometric fingerprint reader from working.
As a rule, manufacturers of phones and other equipment have provided for such moments, so for the most part you can unlock the device by entering a pin code or password.
Optical scanners
Optical are the oldest, this technique of capturing and comparing prints has been used for a long time. This method is based on the fact that a fingerprint image is being captured. This is a photograph of a fingerprint, which, after being captured, is processed using special algorithms that allow us to detect unique patterns on the surface (ridges, unique curls). This analyzes the lightest and darkest parts of the image.
Sensors have a finite resolution, the higher it is, the smaller elements of the pattern it can distinguish on the finger, the higher the degree of security. The sensors of these sensors have a greater contrast than that of a simple camera. They have more diodes per inch. This is necessary in order to capture images at very close range.
Optical scanners also have arrays of LEDs that act as a flash. They illuminate the scan area. The design is very bulky for phones, as the thickness of the case hasgreat importance. But even a fingerprint reader for ACS cannot be built using this technology - the degree of information protection in this case is extremely low. There are various ways to fake a fingerprint.
The main disadvantage of this type of scanner is that it is very easy to fool them. Scanners only capture a 2D image. You have probably seen how, with the help of simple manipulations with PVA glue or even with a high-quality photo of a finger, a scanner is hacked, the attacker has access to all important documents. Therefore, this type of security is not suitable for modern smartphones.
Capacitive scanners
This is a common type of fingerprint scanner. As you can see from the name, a capacitor is used as the main module. Capacitive scanners use arrays of small capacitor circuits to collect fingerprint data. Capacitors store electrical charge, and when you put your finger on the scanner, the charge stored in the capacitor will be changed at the points where the ridge of the pattern touches the plate. And the charge remains relatively unchanged in places where there are depressions in the pattern. Such a fingerprint reader for a computer can be effectively used to protect information, but it will still not be perfect.
After capturing the print, the data is converted into digital form and the search for distinctive and unique features of the print begins already in this array. They can be saved in order to make comparisons onlater stages. The main advantage of this technology is that it is significantly better than optical scanners.
Ultrasonic scanners
Ultrasonic fingerprint scanners are currently the latest technology in fingerprint recognition. An ultrasonic scanner uses a transmitter and a receiver to recognize the fingerprint. The pulse is transmitted directly to the finger, which is placed in front of the scanner. There are models of HP fingerprint readers that connect to a computer. And when installing the appropriate software, you can restrict access to certain folders on the device.
Part of this pulse is absorbed, part is returned back to the receiver and recognized. Depending on the depressions, ridges and other details of the print, which are unique to each finger, a "pattern" of the wearer's print is compiled. In ultrasonic scanners, a strain sensor is used to calculate the intensity of the ultrasonic pulse at various points on the scanner.
