More than fingerprints

By Mary Branscombe, published on February 19, 2008
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: , , | Themes: Laptops and Notebooks
Contents

3. More than fingerprints

Using your fingerprint to log into your PC is like using a password; there’s only one thing that you need to have or to know to get access. This is called single-factor authentication. Adding more factors makes for a more secure system, but that’s more complicated to set up and to use. Two-factor authentication might ask for a fingerprint and a PIN code, or for a fingerprint plus a smartcard that stores the fingerprint template; three-factor authentication would mean you’d need to scan your finger, swipe the smartcard and type in the PIN to get access. The different factors are sometimes referred to as something you are, something you have and something you know.

Most PC fingerprint readers use your fingerprint alone, but the $50 BioCert PCLokR Pro lets you add a password, PIN, smartcard or a mix of factors. That’s not as convenient as just swiping your finger, and it’s probably overkill for a home user, but the BioCert software will generate strong passwords for you, and it includes encryption for your hard drive and USB memory sticks. If your PC already has a fingerprint scanner and it’s made by AuthenTec, you can get the software on its own for $30; AuthenTec sensors are used by Asus, Dell, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motion Computing, NEC Samsung and Toshiba for notebooks and PCs; and by ACS, APC, Cherry, SCM, Targus and Zvetco for peripherals.

fingerprint security login

You can log into your email and other password protected applications, and you can add an extra token with HP’s Credential Manager.

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Comments


Deleted profile 02/19/2008 9:44 AM
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i have an MS fingerprint scanner, when might the drivers come out for windows vista x64???
Lt Smash 02/19/2008 9:45 AM
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Lt Smash
That last paragraph about scar messing up your biometric reading...does this mean that I can't use biometrics since I'm a diabetic? I prick my fingers 10-15 times a day so I've got constant scar tissue forming and healing...that would suck if I couldn't, cause I've always dreamed of fingerprint door locks.
Deleted profile 02/19/2008 11:10 AM
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A word of caution for fingerprint readers. Well not so much the readers but the act of using them for security. The US Gov't can't force you to give up your password because it's 'something you know'. But they can make you give up your fingerprints because it's 'something you are'. They can legally compel you to open your computer since it's just your fingerprint as the password. If you have a typed password, they can't.
Deleted profile 02/20/2008 6:27 AM
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Beware, this is the first few steps before the "mark of the beast". No I'm not religious, it's just kind of freakish to see the book of "Revelations" happen right before our eyes since y2k...
Deleted profile 02/20/2008 4:42 AM
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Well, these things don't work worth a squat, these finger print readers do not work for me. The technology needs to be further developed, before it can be wide spread.
Deleted profile 02/20/2008 5:09 AM
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BewareOfDolphy- I agree, There's no way anyone should agree with this especially seeing as how the pentagon went on record as saying they want every americans thumb print and eye identification.

I'm not even a religious person but I can see this "can't buy or sell with out the mark" thing coming.
ModdoG 02/20/2008 5:26 AM
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ModdoG
when u use the keyboard ,plug it out and swap with another one .
and your in the pc,LOL
Deleted profile 02/20/2008 10:26 AM
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Not a too good way for security, while we leave almost our finger print everywhere...
Deleted profile 02/21/2008 9:35 AM
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They need to fast track the fingerprint readers and make them part of every day life. Only those with criminal tendencies will have an issue with it. As I live in the country with the highest crime rate I am willing to give up freedom for a safer environment and loger life.
Deleted profile 02/21/2008 5:11 AM
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I don't see the security in fingerprint readers. It's just as easy to bypass them. If anything it offers password text security without having to remember anything. As government databases become more widespread with the use of fingerprinting, why would you want your own personal information stored with the same "key" (fingerprint) that the government has on file? Sounds ridiculous.
Deleted profile 02/21/2008 9:07 AM
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i agree with PixelPusher220, in the future when fingerprint is used as password to almost everything, e-mail or banking, etc. i think there'll be a lot of folks loosing their thumbs because some crooks cut 'em!
Deleted profile 03/09/2008 5:44 AM
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they are amazing. I have one for my of http://www.theidoctor.org
Deleted profile 03/09/2008 5:50 AM
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Its ok. Quality is not great on those cheap ones. Http://www.theidoctor.org

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