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.