As we rely more and more on our smartphones for banking, storing passwords, and mobile purchases, the more ways hackers are finding ways to retrieve our personal data. Google builds many security features into its Android operating system (OS), but the smartphone manufacturers must also have a hand in developing and issuing monthly security patches, just like you receive weekly updates for say Windows and security updates for Chrome. But more than that, there must be ways to protect the user information by first making it difficult to access the device. This is where the biometrics come into play – fingerprint sensors, iris scanners, to name a couple of the most popular used. A study earlier this year showed that 60% of Android devices were not up-to-date with Google’s latest security patch.
Synaptics is a world leader in developing biometrics for the security of just about anything you can imagine. They have just announced that they have developed a multi-factor biometric driver for mobile devices. It combines the security of a fingerprint scan with facial recognition for adding multiple modes of authenticity for added security. What is nice about this dual recognition is that the user can turn on one or the other or both – whatever is most convenient for the user or their needed level of security. Many users wear gloves at their job and might choose to have the facial recognition to open their device. It gives freedom to the user, and they can have the choice of how much security they want. By using both methods, you are assured of tight security.
Biometrics is on the upswing and is estimated to grow over 60-percent a year until 2020. Soon most smartphones in the mid to high-end range will have some biometrics built into the device for added security. Synaptics collaborated with KeyLemon, a company that specializes in facial recognition, to develop this seamless system of using your fingerprint sensor and camera for facial recognition. The user will pick up their device; place their finger on the sensor while the camera automatically performs the facial recognition. This partnership allowed Synaptics to develop their design faster than it would have if they started from scratch. Gilles Florey, CEO of KeyLemon said that “Integrating our advanced technologies enables an unsurpassed mixture of security and user convenience for trusted authentication in mobile payments, banking, and other content sensitive transactions.” It sounds like the dual-biometrics may first start to show up in the high-end devices in 2017, followed by cheaper devices after the price comes down. This addition will help secure our private information from outsiders as long as the manufacturers provide timely security updates for the phone’s software.