Washington: If you have the Samsung Galaxy S5 and hoping that finger scanner of the device cannot be hacked, so you are in trouble because it can be hacked easily.
Just three days after the launch of the Galaxy S5, it has been discovered the device’s fingerprint scanner suffers from the same issues that have plagued earlier implementations by Apple and others.
A security research firm from Germany called SRLabs has successfully hacked the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy S5 using a similar method that was used to spoof the Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 5S.
First, the team took a photo of a latent fingerprint using a iPhone 4S and then processed it into a wood-glue mold. The mold is then used to bypass the fingerprint authentication mechanism of the Galaxy S5 successfully.
Even more disturbing is the fact that after logging into the device, the fingerprint hack allows hackers to authenticate digital payments via PayPal without ever having to enter a password.
If a hacker does not successfully authenticate a fingerprint in the first attempt, he gets multiple tries to scan the fingerprint, after which he would be able to transfer money from a user’s linked bank account.
The additional functionality offered by the finger scanner makes it convenient to authenticate digital purchases, but is susceptible to hacking.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription