Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint unlock security risks

New Samsung Galaxy S5 brought a dozen of new features and technologies. Since the device is available worldwide, it's clear that millions of users have a chance to enjoy it. However, the fingerprint sensor has attracted the most attention. Except it looks like it came from the future, this scanner is particularly important for security reasons. Galaxy S5 used it to perform user authentication or phone payments via PayPal. So, the question is there are any Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint unlock security risks?

Galaxy S5's fingerprint sensor is places in home button

Fingerprint scanner is located in the home button. We have already seen it on the iPhone 5S, but these two are different in the way they work. For unlocking the iPhone 5S you need to hold your finger for some time until the fingerprint is being scanning. The new Samsung requires to move your finger vertically over the on screen square to unlock the phone. Besides unlocking and pay via PayPal, this sensor will be used to develop new apps.

iPhone 5S uses similar sensor for unlocking

Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint is easy to setup

To start using the sensor, you need to make a few simple steps. After successful registration you need to enter a password, as an alternative to reading your fingerprints. It's possible to register up to three fingers. If this way of unlocking becomes tedious to you, it's very easy to deactivate it.

Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint unlock security risks are real!

It all sounds good, but is this way of protecting the security of your data and privacy reliable? Once the researchers have proven that they can easily hack Galaxy S5 over the fingerprint sensor, the question is whether the Galaxy S5 is safe device. This issue is addressed by the US senator Al Franken, who wrote a letter to Samsung, concerning user privacy.

Researchers from Security Research Labs in Germany have managed to hack Galaxy S5, using a "wood glue” spoof , made from a mold taken from a photo of a fingerprint smudge left on the smartphone's screen. As we leave fingerprints on the large number of objects every day, it only takes a moment if you lose out of sight your smartphone and your privacy can be compromised. An additional problem is that the iPhone 5S was hacked in the same way last year. Thus, it seem the manufacturers haven't learned anything and they repeat the same mistakes.

An additional problem with the Galaxy S5 is unlimited incorrect attempts to unlock the phone using the fingerprints sensor, and not even be asked for password, while iPhone 5S have three such attempts. The problem is even bigger because the hackers get access to security apps, such as PayPal, too, without additional identification. I'm sure you realize what then can happen.

Keep up the passwords for now.

Source:srlabs.de