Tag

Biometrics

All articles tagged with #biometrics

Samsung's Polar ID Brings iPhone-Fast, 50% Smaller Face Scan to Galaxy S27 Ultra
technology26 days ago

Samsung's Polar ID Brings iPhone-Fast, 50% Smaller Face Scan to Galaxy S27 Ultra

Samsung is reportedly equipping the Galaxy S27 Ultra with Polar ID, a polarization-based facial recognition that works without a traditional depth-sensing cutout. The system unlocks in about 180 milliseconds—on par with Apple's Face ID—while shrinking the hardware stack by roughly 50% and preserving the front punch-hole design. Polar ID is designed to be harder to spoof (polarization differs between skin and other materials), less sensitive to lighting, and potentially cheaper to produce, which could broaden access to advanced biometric security on future Samsung devices.

Android 16+ adds stronger theft protections with biometric safeguards and new lock options
technology1 month ago

Android 16+ adds stronger theft protections with biometric safeguards and new lock options

Google is expanding Android's theft-protection tools for Android 16+, including a new enable/disable toggle for Failed Authentication Lock, broader Identity Check coverage across apps using the Biometric Prompt, longer lockout times for failed PIN/pattern attempts (with repeated incorrect guesses not counting), and an optional security question for the Remote Lock feature to verify the device owner.

AI Reveals Fingerprint Overlaps Across Fingers, Upending Forensic Certainty
science1 month ago

AI Reveals Fingerprint Overlaps Across Fingers, Upending Forensic Certainty

An AI model trained on 60,000 fingerprint images detects cross-finger similarities, revealing that structural patterns can recur across fingers (and even across hands). The findings, published in Science Advances (2024), could speed investigative lead generation but are not courtroom-ready and require broader validation across diverse datasets and demographics.

Apple Continues to Test Face ID for Macs Amid Uncertain Launch Timeline
technology4 months ago

Apple Continues to Test Face ID for Macs Amid Uncertain Launch Timeline

Apple is highly likely to introduce Face ID to future Macs, but the feature is still years away, with a potential release around 2027. Currently, Touch ID remains the standard biometric authentication method on Macs, and the transition to Face ID involves significant hardware and design considerations, including the possibility of under-display components. Buyers are advised to hold off on waiting for this feature as it is not imminent.

Revolutionary E-Tattoos: The Future of Brainwave Monitoring
technology1 year ago

Revolutionary E-Tattoos: The Future of Brainwave Monitoring

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed temporary electronic tattoos that can non-invasively monitor brain activity, potentially revolutionizing EEG testing and brain-computer interfaces. These e-tattoos use a specialized liquid ink that can be applied to the scalp, even through hair, and provide stable readings for up to 24 hours. This innovation could make EEGs more convenient and comfortable, reducing the need for cumbersome equipment and wires, and may also enhance brain-computer interface devices by eliminating the need for bulky headsets.

Passkeys Gain Momentum as Passwords Become Obsolete
technology1 year ago

Passkeys Gain Momentum as Passwords Become Obsolete

As passwords become increasingly insecure due to common usage of simple combinations like "123456" and "password," tech companies like Mastercard and Microsoft are shifting towards biometric and passkey methods for authentication. However, these new methods are not foolproof, as hackers continue to find ways to exploit security systems. Businesses must remain vigilant by training employees, updating security software, and managing risks, as the battle between security measures and cyber threats is ongoing.

Passkeys Surge as Millions Ditch Passwords for Easier Security
technology1 year ago

Passkeys Surge as Millions Ditch Passwords for Easier Security

Passkeys, which use biometrics for authentication, are gaining traction as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. 1Password reports significant growth in passkey adoption, with over 4.2 million passkeys saved and 206 companies offering passkey login options. Despite this progress, widespread adoption depends on more services supporting passkeys. Users are encouraged to use password managers to store both passwords and passkeys securely.

Android's New Solution to Eliminate Passwords
technology1 year ago

Android's New Solution to Eliminate Passwords

Android is set to address the issue of forgotten passwords by promoting the use of passkeys, which utilize biometric methods like fingerprint scanning and face recognition for authentication. Passkeys offer enhanced security and ease of use compared to traditional passwords, as they are not stored on vulnerable servers. Android's 'Passkeys Week' aims to raise awareness and encourage adoption of this technology, potentially making passwords obsolete in the future.

"Biometrics Revolutionizing Travel Security and Efficiency"
technology1 year ago

"Biometrics Revolutionizing Travel Security and Efficiency"

Facial recognition technology is increasingly being used in airports to enhance security and streamline processes, with airlines like Delta and United testing biometric systems for bag checks. While advocates highlight its efficiency and security benefits, privacy concerns and questions about its effectiveness on people of color persist. The TSA assures that data is not retained and the technology is not used for surveillance.

"Secure Your iPhone Apps with 'App Lock'"
technology1 year ago

"Secure Your iPhone Apps with 'App Lock'"

"App Lock" is a new app for iPhone and iPad that allows users to protect and hide any app using Face ID or Touch ID, filling a gap in iOS's native features. It organizes apps by category, making it easy to hide or lock multiple apps at once, and also offers advanced options for additional security measures. While the app is free to try, unlocking its full features requires a paid subscription, and it is compatible with iOS 16 and later.

"Google Pixel Perfects Face and Fingerprint Unlock, Setting a New Standard"
technology2 years ago

"Google Pixel Perfects Face and Fingerprint Unlock, Setting a New Standard"

Google's Pixel is praised for being the only phone to successfully integrate both face and fingerprint unlock features, providing a seamless and secure user experience. While other Android brands offer both biometric options, Google's implementation stands out due to its sophisticated software and hardware integration. The Pixel's face unlock is secure enough for sensitive apps, unlike other Android devices, and the combination of face and fingerprint unlock works harmoniously. Additionally, the article highlights other Google-related news, including the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 and a new Chromecast with Google TV.

"Biometric Data Theft: The Latest Threat to Bank Accounts on iOS and Android"
cybersecurity2 years ago

"Biometric Data Theft: The Latest Threat to Bank Accounts on iOS and Android"

Cybersecurity company Group-IB has discovered a banking trojan that steals people’s faces, using AI-generated deepfakes to bypass security checkpoints and withdraw funds from victims' bank accounts. The use of deepfake attacks has increased significantly, raising concerns about the reliability of biometric tools. A Chinese-based hacking group has developed aggressive trojans targeting the APAC region, posing as government services agents and targeting the elderly. Users are advised to be cautious of suspicious links, review app permissions, and watch for signs of malware on their devices.

"Apple iOS 17.3: Enhanced Stolen Device Protection and Collaborative Playlists in Latest Update"
technology2 years ago

"Apple iOS 17.3: Enhanced Stolen Device Protection and Collaborative Playlists in Latest Update"

Apple has introduced Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3, adding extra layers of security to iPhones to prevent unauthorized access and changes to sensitive settings. When enabled, the feature requires biometric authentication for certain actions, making it harder for thieves to access passwords, financial data, and more. The one-hour security delay and additional biometric checks further enhance protection. While the feature is a significant step forward, users are advised to back up their data and take additional security measures in case of theft.

AI Challenges the Uniqueness of Our Fingerprints
technology2 years ago

AI Challenges the Uniqueness of Our Fingerprints

Researchers at Columbia University have trained an AI tool to identify fingerprints from different fingers belonging to the same person, challenging the belief that each fingerprint is completely unique. The AI tool claims to be able to identify whether prints from different fingers come from one person with 75-90% accuracy, focusing on the orientation of ridges rather than traditional minutiae. While the study has potential implications for biometrics and forensic science, more research is needed to develop the technology further and address questions about its reliability in criminal casework.