TOKYO –
Can the flashing “peace” sign in the photo lead to fingerprint data being stolen?
Researchers at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Japan say that, therefore, alerts are issued in popular two-finger gestures.
Fingerprint recognition technology is widely used to verify identity, such as when logged in to smart phones, tablet PCs and laptops.
The increase in mobile devices that use high-quality cameras and social media sites can easily post photos, which increases the risk of personal information disclosure, the report said.
NII researchers were able to reproduce fingerprints based on photos taken from a three-meter (9-foot) digital camera.
NII researcher Isao Echizen said in an article published on Monday, “as long as the peace in the camera before the production of signs, fingerprints can be widely used.
“Fingerprint data can be recreated if fingerprints are in focus with strong lighting in a picture,” Echizen also told Yomiuri TV.
He added that advanced technology was not necessary and anyone could easily copy fingerprints.
But NII says it has developed a transparent film containing titanium oxide that can be attached to fingers to hide their prints, the reports said.
The film prevents identity theft but does not interfere with fingerprints being effective in identity verification, the Sankei Shimbun reported.
But the technology would not be ready for another two years, the paper said.
