Microsoft Fingerprint Reader
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Microsoft Fingerprint Reader is a device sold by Microsoft that augments normal passwords with the fingerprint of a user for convenience. First released on September 4, 2004[1], the device requires Windows XP or Windows Vista to run[2].
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[edit] Functionality
Microsoft Fingerprint Reader stores login names and passwords in an internal database located in the user's computer. When needed, the device interactively sends the login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, which can be used to perform the login operation automatically.
The device could be useful in an office or campus environment, where its use may prevent others from seeing logins and passwords being keyed in. It could also be useful on shared computers, where different users can authenticate their unique access to applications and sites.
[edit] Criticisms
At a Black Hat conference, a researcher discovered that the fingerprints stored in the software provided by Microsoft are not encrypted, and could be acquired by a determined hacker[1], provided he had physical access to the device and its connected computer.
As of June 2008, the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader still has no drivers for 64bit Vista, even though the items that contain the fingerprint reader (Such as the IntelliMouse w/Fingerprint Reader) are listed as Vista x64 certified. Microsoft has no dates when drivers will be available.
The software supplied causes delay in Vista's startup time because windows has to load the driver before a login is allowed using the biometric data.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- MS Fingerprint home page
- Griaule - 3rd party Fingerprint SDK software to implement the Microsoft fingerprint reader into your own software
