This is my proposal for how Apple could help the FBI unlock a phone, while ensuring security for all its users. I’d love your thoughts in the comments. Preamble The FBI want Apple to create a custom version of iOS, the operating system that the iPhone runs, that allows unlimited unlock attempts without delays between retries. I see…
The latest iPhones have just been released, and the latest feature, available in the iPhone5S, is the fingerprint scanner. This funky bit of technology allows you to program your fingerprint in to the phone, and then unlock it with a touch. No more remembering security codes.
Apple say the fingerprint will be securely stored on the phone, but I’m not sure as yet whether a they store enough data to simply verify your fingerprint later, or enough to reproduce your fingerprint. They do, however, add that it will only be stored on the phone, not sent to Apple or stored in “the cloud”.
So, should you be concerned about the security implications of giving your fingerprint to your phone?
You guessed it; I say yes. I’d be very concerned. Let me give a few reasons.