iPhone 5S Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner Privacy Concerns: How Safe Are You?
Touch ID on iPhone 5S is almost like the James Bond way of unlocking a device securely with your finger. This feature is built to be used on the Home button of the phone. The feature depends largely on the sapphire crystal for its success. The capacitive touch sensor can take high-res images of a fingerprint. It uses the technology, which analyses the fingerprint, while promising precise readings from every angle.
One unique aspect of the fingerprint scanner is that it is not going to store real images of the fingerprints of the user. An Apple spokesman has confirmed on Wednesday that the company took the decision not to store actual fingerprint images on devices to prevent the user from potential privacy issues.
On the contrary, the Touch ID system will store the fingerprint data only. The data will be encrypted in the iPhone processor itself. The phone will use its digital signature for unlocking itself or for purchasing products from iBooks, iTunes or App stores. Practically, the benefit of not storing the actual fingerprint in the device is that it is not going to possible for anyone to reverse engineer anyone's fingerprint even if somebody cracks the encrypted chip of the phone.
The fingerprint technology has been used by Apple to promote the company's concern with enhancing the security system in the phone for consumers. On the other hand, the company seems to be apprehensive of queries related to privacy concerns for storing the biometric data on an everyday electronic device.
Even though the fingerprint technology was not born yesterday, it still possesses an exotic charm for many of the consumers. Apple seems not take any chance with the potential popularity of iPhone 5S. They are apparently not in a mood to spoil their lofty ambition with the phone with some uncalled-for privacy concerns.
It looks like that Apple is all set to start a new age of smartphone security with just a touch of the finger.