Fake Fingerprint Stickers Let You Access a Protected Phone While Wearing Gloves (gizmodo.com)

A new Kickstarter campaign aims to sell you fingerprint stickers that, when applied to a pair of gloves, allow you to unlock a mobile device that's protected with a fingerprint scanner. The sticker is powered by Nanotips and is "made with an extremely adhesive conductive material that can be applied to any surface for touch capability." Gizmodo reports: You can of course still access a fingerprint-secured smartphone using regular touchscreen-friendly gloves by simply punching in your passcode on-screen, but why should we have to give up the convenience of a feature like Touch ID for months on end just because it's cold outside? We shouldn't, and these Taps stickers will allow you to use your mobile device's touchscreen and fingerprint reader, for unlocking your phone or making a purchase, even while your actual fingers (and fingerprints) are being kept warm and toasty inside a glove. After applying a textured stick to the tip of your glove, you just have to register it as an approved fingerprint using your smartphone's security settings. You might assume this would mean that anyone with a Taps sticker on their gloves could access anyone else's protected phone. But according to its creators, using nanoparticle technology every single Taps sticker has an individual and unique artificial print ensuring that only your gloves can access your device. That being said, there is still the risk of someone stealing your gloves, which is easier than stealing your fingerprints, so you'll have to weigh the security risks introduced versus the added convenience these offer.

Comments

pick one: convenience, privacy

[fahrbot-bot]

You can of course still access a fingerprint-secured smartphone using regular touchscreen-friendly gloves by simply punching in your passcode on-screen, but why should we have to give up the convenience of a feature like Touch ID for months on end just because it's cold outside?

Because this: Feds Walk Into a Building, Demand Everyone's Fingerprints To Open Phones

Using a pass code is protected by the Fifth Amendment, using a fingerprint is not.

Re: pick one: convenience, privacy

[myowntrueself]

Just how often do you get pulled over?

They may be African-American and it could be a daily occurrence.

Re:Fingerprint stealing made easy

[Anonymous Coward]

Don't get a glove with YOUR fingerprint. My phone can accept multiple fingerprints, the glove can be a new one. If I lose the glove, I reset the fingerprints to mine without the glove.

--XYZZY--