PhillyMaris177
Fingerprint scanning is really a standard biometric method that authenticates a user's identity based upon who they are. Despite the fact that authentication using fingerprint scanning attempts to verify identities by using a unique characteristic, it's not 100% secure or reliable.
A user's fingerprint consists of a number of ridges and valleys around the upper skin layer. A fingerprint scanner plate using optics or capacitance collects a print sample from the pattern of ridges and valleys, converts the pattern to a number or algorithm, and compares it with other stored templates.
There are two basic kinds of fingerprint scanners, dynamic and static, using the latter being easier to defeat just because a print could be obtained from another object and transferred to the scanner. The dynamic scanner uses a small slit or opening to capture prints, which makes it a lot more hard to defeat.
Circumventing fingerprint scanners can be done because optical scanners can't always separate a picture of the finger and also the finger itself, and capacitive scanners can sometimes be fooled with a mold of the person's finger. Some scanners have additional pulse as well as heat sensors to verify the finger is alive but even scalping strategies can be fooled by a gel or silicone printed mold over a real finger.
In addition to threats by posed attackers, fingerprint scanning has inherent problems, for instance in cold climates it may be freezing for fingerprints to register on a heat sensor or perhaps a finger might be too dry to shut a capacitive circuit. Further, the (FAR) false accept rate and (FRR) false reject rate of fingerprint scanning compared to other biometric standards is somewhat misleading because of the fact much of the data comes from biased vendors. However, generally fingerprint scanning rates are superior to facial recognition rates but less favorable in comparison with iris recognition or palm print scanning.
Keep in mind that there isn't any perfect biometric system and every type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and should be evaluated based on its application.
To create security systems more reliable, it's a good idea to combine biometric analysis with other means of identification, like a password, or other multi-factor authentication systems.
We'd not recommend the fingerprint scanning biometric way of locations or objects that require a high-level of security. If your building with highly sensitive information had fingerprint scanning because the only security device, then even a layman could lift a fingerprint from a car door, glass, etc., and get access to the building.
Like passwords, fingerprint scanning is merely a deterrent from use of information. Fingerprint scanners are utilized on many laptops today, but the primary security measure is to lock it in the trunk when you are traveling or ensure that it stays locked in the house because with sufficient time, someone could break through password or fingerprint security.
