The Chaos Computer Club now claims it can overcome fingerprint-based security measures such as Apple’s Touch ID by using a simple photo of a user’s finger. (Via VentureBeat)
CCC member Jan “Starbug” Krissler presented his method for recreating a fingerprint at the group’s annual convention in Hamburg, Germany over the weekend, as he generated the thumbprint of German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen by using a public photo and computer program VeriFinger.Instead, he explained how fingerprints can be snatched from persons at public events by simply using a “standard photo camera.”
The source was a close-up photo of von der Leyen’s thumb, which was taken at a news conference in October. Also used were photos taken from different angles in order to build an image of the complete fingerprint.
The CCC has demonstrated in the past how it could bypass Apple’s Touch ID system with a photo of a user’s fingerprint. The new method does not require a hacker to obtain an object that has the user’s fingerprint.
Kissler says the group hopes to bring to light the potential exploits present in newer technology, and notes that users should also put additional security layers, such as passwords in place to properly protect their information.
This doesn’t seem like a huge thing for iPhone and iPad users to worry about at the moment, as this hack requires a number of photos of your finger, knowledge of which finger(s) you use for Touch ID on your device, and a considerable amount of time, expertise and equipment to pull off successfully.
