Fake Play-Doh fingerprint ‘fools security scan to hack into iPhone 6’

Mark Blunden @_MarkBlunden25 February 2016

A tech start-up claims to have hacked an iPhone fingerprint sensor using a fake fingerprint made from Play-Doh.

Vkansee said it created the hack to show the superior resolution of its own fingerprint sensors.

The company created the false fingerprint by pushing Play-Doh into the cast of a finger made in dental paste.

The duplicate fingerprint is then placed on the sensor, which the Standard saw fool the scanning security feature to unlock an iPhone 6.

Smartphone sensors currently scan information at 500 pixels per inch, but the company has developed one that works at four times the resolution.

Biometric payments are a big talking point at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. MasterCard unveiled fingerprint or selfie authentication for payments instead of a passcode to try to reduce online fraud.

New York-based Vkansee said its sensor can capture ridges and peaks in the finger in far greater detail.

Even sweat pores are said to be visible, to show the image is from a real person.

Company president Jason Chaikin said: “We used the Play-Doh to demonstrate that even though the sensors in our phones today are very useful, they have vulnerabilities, which we can show by entering a simple mould of Play-Doh based on your fingerprint. These technologies are now 10 years old and we represent the second generation. We certainly hope to be in phones in early 2017.”

Mr Chaikin denied that revealing the Play-Doh hack was making it easier for thieves and said vulnerabilities could be closed if they are exposed. He confirmed the company was negotiating with manufacturers, but declined to reveal which, although one demonstration sensor was made from rose gold similar to Apple’s premium colour. Touch ID is used to unlock an iPhone, and can then be used to authorise services including the App Store. Apple says there is “a very high level of security”, but declined to comment on the hacking technique.

Mark Blunden flew as a guest of Norwegian, a low-cost carrier which flies from London Gatwick to Barcelona and has free wi-fi onboard. For more information: (norwegian.com).

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