Qualcomm claims that this new technology uses ultrasound readers to detect shapes and lines in the fingerprint of unique users, including sweat glands. It measures 3-D sound waves to penetrate the outer layer of your finger, which gives it a deeper analysis, then uses that information to create a map of the surface of your skin. Since it can travel through things like sweat, lotion and dirt, your fingerprint can be more easily read by all these barriers. Qualcomm also claims this new technology is safer and less easy to copy for theft because of it undertaking a deeper analysis of your fingerprints. It can also read through the glass, metal and plastic, which means that your fingerprint does not have to be integrated into your home button, a button that all smartphones have. If proven, this could be competition for Apple, Samsung, Motorola, HTC and other brands that currently have the fingerprint scanning technology.
How is it different from Apple Touch ID?
Apple released the Touch ID technology in September 2013 and worked to correct some of its shortcomings since, but users still have problems. Apple uses a 2D scanning process, which makes high-resolution scans peaks in fingerprints by means of an electric current. For this reason, the analyzes do not always work. Electrical outlets do not represent things like burns fingers, paper cuts or greasy hands, which is why Apple users often have problems unlocking their phones and other devices with this method .
Which is safer?
Qualcomm is expected to launch its Snapdragon Sense ID 3-D for manufacturers later this year. It claims to correct malfunctions and safety problems with its new technology, but the question of security is still essentially the same as it has always been with fingerprint technology. German hacker organization Chaos Computer Club The, for example, found a way to create a false fingerprint in 2013 that opened the fingerprint authentication of the iPhone 5S. And while Qualcomm does things like this more difficult with its analysis 3-D, you still have violations and hacks to worry.
as we keep sensitive information on our smartphones now use them to make payments, and access to bank information, they become our mobile wallets. Even large companies like Apple and Qualcomm, both claiming to store the fingerprints of users in an encrypted database, could be at risk for a security breach, which would put many people at risk of theft identity. If your password is stolen in a breach, it is a headache, but you can easily create a new password. On the other hand, your fingerprint is unique to you and you alone. This means that if hackers have managed to get their hands on what you have no way to create a new one.
Unsure as to what makes a secure password? Check out this blog for tips and read our protection against identity theft blog to learn more about how you can protect yourself in every aspect of your life.