"Fingerprint Login Should Be a Secure Defense for Our Data, But Most of Us Don't Use It Properly"
The implementation of biometrics-based security in Apple's iOS such as fingerprint authentication is supposed to add an extra layer to the protection of users' sensitive information. However, this feature is still being improperly used by most people. A study on the use of Apple's biometric fingerprint technology, Touch ID, shows that most users are unaware of this feature's purpose and proper use. In order to use Touch ID, a user must create a PIN or password for additional security validation after the device is restarted or when 48 hours has passed since the device was unlocked. A study conducted by researchers found that most Touch ID users are unaware that they could use passwords instead of PINs. Those that are aware, use easy PINs because they are easier to remember. This article continues to discuss the lack of awareness about the purpose of technologies such as Touch ID, the types of attacks that can be used to reveal passcodes, and studies that have shown that biometric systems are still not completely secure.