A very important element in the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ was the fingerprint scanner, which is integrated into the display. This feature is important for convenience reasons but mainly for security reasons.
The fingerprint scanner is supposed to "read" our finger and allow us alone to unlock the phone.
However, a researcher claims to have managed to trick the scanner and unlock the phone, using a 3D replica.
How does the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner work?
The difference between an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and a more traditional scanner is that it can capture a 3D image instead of a 2D one. Using high-frequency ultrasonic waves, the scanner can map a fingerprint, showing even the smallest detail. This process produces different results for each person, ensuring that no one else will be able to unlock phone .
How did the researcher manage to fool the scanner?
To trick the scanner, the researcher (who goes by the name darkshark9) took a photo of his fingerprint from a glass and, using Photoshop, created an alpha mask from it. This was then exported to 3ds Max Software to create a 3D model. Then, all that was needed was a print from the AnyCubic Photon LCD resin printer. The print time was 13 minutes. The fake fingerprint was then able to unlock the phone. The researcher didn’t exactly trick the scanner, as the fingerprint was identical to the original, so the scanner recognized it correctly.
Are we all at risk?
In reality, not everyone is at risk from this type of attack. It's mainly known individuals who could be targeted. However, fingerprints are also on your phone, so if someone steals your phone, they could use this method to get into your phone and gain access to personal information, even bank accounts.
Should we stop using fingerprints?
It is not recommended not to use fingerprints. This way of locking the mobile is simpler, as you do not have to remember and type codes, but it is also generally more secure. In addition, many people, in order to avoid various procedures with codes and so on, prefer to leave their phone without any protection. We may never be truly safe, but it is certainly better to use the fingerprint than to leave the mobile completely unprotected. As for the Galaxy S10, even the researcher believes that the ultrasonic scanner is more effective and offers greater protection compared to conventional scanners. Also, the fingerprint scanner is certainly more secure than facial recognition. In the second case, a video of the phone's owner can be used to open it.
