More and more Android phones that incorporate a fingerprint reader, a method for unlocking the terminal or paying for online purchases, which has always been presented as completely secure.
However, it has recently been discovered that using our finger to unlock the mobile it is not 100% sure, but there is also the way to hack (magic word) the device.
Hacking the fingerprint reader is possible
Why is the fingerprint reader not 100% secure?
According to a study in which a Samsung Galaxy S5 and an HTC One Max, an experienced hacker could access our fingerprint information.
The reason is that the data we leave when we place our finger on the reader, are not completely saved on the device, but they remain in a kind of "limbo" in the network to which it is not easy to access, but it is not impossible either. Namely, Normally, we don't have any problems. When using our fingerprint reader, it is a simple step to access or unlock our mobile, but we must take into account some considerations to avoid problems.
Problems that the fingerprint reader can be hacked
The main problem that can happen to us is that the fingerprint reader is used together with a hidden application that sends that information.
This means that, unintentionally, through hidden malware in an APK downloaded from an unsafe place, we install an app that collects information from our reader fingerprint and send it to hackers, who can use it for obscure purposes.
The risk would be especially serious, in the event that we use the fingerprint reader as a payment method, since by obtaining the information from it, someone could make purchases on our behalf, with the economic problem and headache that this can entail.
How to prevent my fingerprint reader from being hacked
There is no way to make sure that our fingerprint reader cannot be hacked, but there is no way to make sure that the information we store in it is stolen.
The best way to control our security is do not install apps from outside the Google Play Store, or download files from websites in which we do not have total confidence, to prevent anyone from voluntarily installing a spy application that steals our information.
In any case, it is normal for nothing to happen, but in a world with millions of Android mobiles and other mobile devices, there can always be some clueless user who installs an Android app or game of dubious origin and with it, have «a spy”, intercepting data from the fingerprint reader or other applications, that not only the fingerprint reader is appealing to hackers.
In the face of any suspicion or doubt about the security of our Android device, we can resort to some of the antivirus and antimalware from Google play, such as Bitdefender, Avast or Eset mobile security with which to identify any spy application suspected of sending critical personal information. Also take into account a series of basic tips to keep our android safe and tricks to protect our privacy.
And you, do you have a mobile phone with a fingerprint reader? Do you fully trust that security function? leave a comment below.