If you happen to make the “peace” sign whenever you take a photo, it’s time to consider changing your move. Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Informatics (NII) warn that your favorite two-finger “V” pose may lead to… identity theft!
We all pretty much heavily rely on fingerprint recognition technology nowadays. Every single device that contains your personal data such as your smartphone and your tablet is using fingerprints to verify your identity.
But these high-end mobile devices and their super fancy cameras come at a cost. The NII researchers were able to recreate fingerprints accurately based on photos taken by the phones’ camera placed about nine feet (three meters) away from the subject! (the article continues after the ad)
“Just by casually making a peace sign in front of a camera, fingerprints can become widely available,” NII researcher Isao Echizen told in an interview to Sankei Shimbun newspaper.
“Fingerprint data can be recreated if fingerprints are in focus with strong lighting in a picture.”
That’s why, the NII has been developing a transparent film that contains titanium oxide that people can attach to their fingers and hide their prints!
But should you really worry?
Well yes, but as it turns out, it’s not that easy.
According to Jason Chaikin, President of biometric verification company Vkansee, it’s a complicated multistep process:
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: Government Warning: Never Use Conditioner In The Event Of A Nuclear Blast
Photos: Digital Trends
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Source: Japan researchers warn of fingerprint theft from ‘peace’ sign | Your selfies might be leaving you vulnerable to hackers
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