Microsoft has a fingerprint reader that will let you enter password protected sites or accomplish logins without the need for entering your username and password. Â Just touch your finger to the device, and you’re in. Â It is a time saver, and presumably offers extra security protection. Â Or does it?
*MOUSE PRINT: “The fingerprint reader is not a security feature and is intended to be used for convenience only.” [Online “Getting Started” manual, Microsoft.com, April 10, 2006]
The actual disclaimer adds more cautions:
Who would have expected that a fingerprint reader should not be used for security purposes? Â At least the warning was disclosed.
I purchased the Microsoft fingerprint reader for security reasons. I thought it
wouldallow me to store arbiturary passwords I would otherwise forget.
In addition, I assumed it would do at least what Windows XP offers if you choose
to use the autocomplete and save my password options but with tighter security.
To my disappointment, I can’t store repetitive fields in a form using the reader.
I thought I could store redundant info such as name, address, etc., but that’s not
an option, really. As a matter of fact, it was working at least for username/password,
but recently it doesn’t work, period. I don’t have an answer, since nothing has
changed in my pc’s configuration, but it seems I’ll have to reinstall it if I want
it to work again. (As an after thought, I’m not sure if the already stored
passwords will remain.) Anyway, to those gadget people (like me) save your money
for something useful. I would like to add that microsoft’s bluetooth keyboard
and mouse are also a waste because of excessive battery replacements.
…and the government wants biometric identifiers to *prove* we are who we say we are?
chillicothe OH
I actually understand why they make that caution.
if you are using only the fingerprint reader and you say …. cut your finger slicing an onion or anything else for that matter, your fingerprint has changed. now for police work this minor change wouldn’t matter however with a fingerprint reader it can make a huge difference
Hi everybody!
Can the open source software movement defeat (or severely cripple) Microsoft in the marketplace?
In response to john Stevens message.
Your finger print doesn’t change if you cut your finger cutting an onion.
Your finger print will change if you have a major cut that leaves a scar.
Look at your finger tips right now and think about all the times you cut, scraped and otherwise abused your fingers. They still look pretty good huh?
I don’t see what the problem with this device is for Mouseprint.org. It is a conveinience issue, not a security issue. Automatic opening doors are more conveinient, not more secure, so why not use a fingerprint reader instead of having to type?
The reason has nothing to do with cutting yourself.
The reason has to do with the fact that it’s an unreliable toy that shouldn’t be protecting any real data.
This is funny on the surface, but it is really important that Microsoft’s message be understood. It doesn’t matter how good your finger scanner is, it does not make your system secure. Digital information must be STORED somewhere and when accessed it must be PASSED somehow. Because it is digital, information can always be copied and duplicated. Encyption techniques may make it difficult, but it is ALWAYS possible.
Actually, if you read the documentation that comes with the fingerprint reader (or was
it some place else???), the reason that Microsoft disclaims their fingerprint reader for
security purposes is that the reader is not encrypted. It is possible for spy-ware, etc.
to “intercept” the communications between the computer and the reader and record the
signals. There are various encrypted fingerprint readers on the market, but they cost
significantly more than the $10 (after rebate) that I paid for my MS fingerprint reader.
How could anyone think that this device would add to your security? I mean think about it, you have the option of EITHER swiping your finger print or typing in your password. Best case senario it would be equal to the security that Windows already has but far more lightly it would create another system for people to exploit. Honestly I don’t understand why Microsoft didn’t include the option for forcing a user to both type in their password and having to swipe their finger, at least then people would have the option of being “secure” if they wanted it (although I guarantee nobody would actually use the option, it would be nice to have). As it stands this product is little more than a toy, but then I always liked toys…
Write your passwords down on paper at night, and indoors. That way enemy satellites won’t have the light needed to read your password sheet with high powered lenses. (Unless of course the satellites are imploying infrared night vision technolgy stolen by spies). Then eat this paper, but rip it into little shreds before you do it; if enemy agents catch you eating this paper, a partially chewed piece of paper can be re-assembled after your untimely demise. After you eat your password sheet, drink lots of alcohol (both to cause you to forget sensitive passwords, and to numb the pain from when you sand your fingerprints off). And finally drink a large amount of non-toxic ink. This way if you are indeed caught by agents, the ink will write over your passwrds in your innards and you won’t have to worry the Commies hacking your MySpace account post mortem.