New method invented to steal fingerprints

Scientists have discovered a method of recreating fingerprints from the sound produced while swiping a touchscreen.

The discovery, made by a team of researchers from the US University of Colorado and China’s Tsinghua University, Wuhan University and Huazhong University, might have significant implications for biometric security systems used in everything from smartphones to doors. are

The technique, called ‘Print Listener’, recreates fingerprints with the help of sound signals generated when the screen is swiped.

According to researchers, hackers can steal their target’s fingerprints by recording this sound using the smartphone’s microphone.

According to the details presented in the research paper, exposure of fingerprints due to excessive use of phones can lead to theft of sensitive information, huge economic and personal losses and sometimes national security threats.

PrintListener’s attack method is very broad and covert. It is supposed to record the sound produced by users’ fingers rubbing on the screen and can be launched from various social media platforms.

Using this technique, the researchers were able to partially recreate fingerprints 27.9 times out of 100 and completely 9.3 times.