The safety of fingerprints as a security measure is complex and depends on several factors. While fingerprint technology offers convenience, it's not foolproof. A strong PIN, pattern, or password might be more secure.
Security Concerns:
- Physical Threats: Fingerprints can be copied from surfaces you touch (as noted in the provided text about phone security). Sophisticated methods can even lift prints from a phone screen.
- Vulnerabilities in Systems: Although data is often stored securely on the device, vulnerabilities in the operating system or reader itself could be exploited. A reliable system is only as strong as its weakest link. The security.stackexchange.com article highlights this, stating that fingerprint scanners are only reliable for reading prints.
- Government Data Breaches: Government databases storing fingerprints are not always secure, as evidenced by the 2015 US Office of Personnel Management data breach mentioned in the AVG article.
- Proper Usage: Even with secure systems, improper usage reduces security. The La Trobe University article highlights the importance of responsible use of fingerprint logins to maintain their effectiveness.
Security Strengths:
- Device-Based Storage: Reputable manufacturers often keep fingerprint data solely on the device, never sharing it with Google or other apps (as confirmed by Google's Pixel Phone Help documentation).
- Unique Biometrics: Fingerprints themselves are unique, making unauthorized access difficult. A Quora post highlights the uniqueness of fingerprints. However, this doesn't negate the vulnerabilities of the systems using them.
Conclusion:
Fingerprint security is relative. While the technology itself is generally safe, the security is ultimately dependent on the device's software, the user's habits and the security of any associated databases. Strong passwords and patterns offer a layer of additional protection. The effectiveness of fingerprints relies on multiple factors beyond just their unique biological nature.
