Geoffrey A. Fowler

Ewwww, but also ohh!

Can a severed finger unlock a phone?

More answers to your digital security questions in today's Tech Friend newsletter by @Shira

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Can a severed finger unlock a phone? Answers to your security questions.

Don't freak out about fingerprint and face scans on your phones -- or the risk of a crook using your severed finger to unlock your iPhone.

The Washington Post
Jan 17, 2023 at 7:24pmWeb
Show threadSensational GusJan 17, 2023

@geoffreyfowler @washingtonpost

This is the problem with all biometrics. It’s also the problem with handcuffing super secret stainless steel briefcases to oneself.

Show threadStephen BakerJan 17, 2023
@geoffreyfowler
@Shira @washingtonpost
It's not 'free' if I have to sign up. The #paywall currency is my identity.
Show threadDoctorOctothorpJan 17, 2023
@geoffreyfowler @Shira @washingtonpost There's prior art: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18624943-600-finger-chopped-off-to-beat-car-security/
Finger chopped off to beat car security

When carjackers discovered the vehicle had a fingerprint-recognition system, they took the owner's finger – experts call for improved "liveness detection"

New Scientist
Show threadMike HicksJan 18, 2023
@geoffreyfowler @Shira @washingtonpost Oof, reminds me of a severed finger used as a plot device in an old episode of SeaQuest DSV in the mid-'90s. I was sort of relieved when security researchers later found you could do just as well with basically a Jell-o mold of a fingerprint