iPhone 5S/6?

[X]

Laptops aren't portable devices?

To expand the use of this device then users would have to trust Apple to store their fingerprint in the cloud, which they area currently claiming is not happening. A little confusing because in sure there was mention of using this system for purchases in Apple stores.

I think it's going to function exactly like the password finger print on an HP, but I don't see it being any sort of game changer. For purchases outside of the Apple store, you would 100% need some sort of database to confirm your id and I really can't see anyone jumping onboard that. If apple is prefacing the tech with the fact where data will and won't be stored, I think they don't see it either.

[Bryancd]

I think I read that the prints are only stored in a secure area on the A7 chip....no doubt in a place even the NSA cannot access...   ;)

Yeah, they are stored on the device. And when I say portable I mean something you carry in your pocket, not in a shoulder bag, clearly. Everyone always has their phone with them and this could eliminate the need to carry cash or physical credit cards.

[Bromptonboy]

I agree that workable fingerprint security - along with NFC down the road - could make for EZPass-like convenience at any store checkout

[Bryancd]

I agree that workable fingerprint security - along with NFC down the road - could make for EZPass-like convenience at any store checkout

Exactly.

[Rico]

I want to use DNA to make purchases by spitting on my phone. Lol!

[Bromptonboy]

I want to use DNA to make purchases by spitting on my phone. Lol!

Has Brother Rico been watching Gattica again?!  :)  I am waiting for urinals or toilets that diagnose us after we avail ourselves of their utility...

[Dangelus]

TouchID has already been defeated:

http://www.ccc.de/en/updates/2013/ccc-breaks-apple-touchid

"The biometrics hacking team of the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) has successfully bypassed the biometric security of Apple's TouchID using easy everyday means. A fingerprint of the phone user, photographed from a glass surface, was enough to create a fake finger that could unlock an iPhone 5s secured with TouchID. This demonstrates – again – that fingerprint biometrics is unsuitable as access control method and should be avoided."

[Jobydrone]

Well for your average non-James Bond user I think it's as useful and secure as a four digit pass code. Way cooler too.

[Bryancd]

Well for your average non-James Bond user I think it's as useful and secure as a four digit pass code. Way cooler too.

LOL! Yeah, look, if someone is motivated enough, cracking a 4 digit code or targeting a specific individual in an effort to lift their fingerprints they will.

[Dangelus]

If your 4 digit passcode is discovered you can change it :-)

[Bryancd]

If your 4 digit passcode is discovered you can change it :-)

And it is far more likely to be hacked using software in some backwater country then an involved sting operation designed to specifically target me and my phone by a bunch of ex-KGB. If they were so motivated they could really steal my identity and that could happen to anyone, anytime. I seriously doubt my phone has enough value to warrant such a crusade.

[Rico]

If your 4 digit passcode is discovered you can change it :-)

I think you are missing the point.  The fingerprint reader was put in for convenience - not necessarily for better security.  How secure is your home?  Most locks are much easier to crack than a password or fingerprint reader.  Does your phone really need more security than your home? 

[Bryancd]

If your 4 digit passcode is discovered you can change it :-)

I think you are missing the point.  The fingerprint reader was put in for convenience - not necessarily for better security.  How secure is your home?  Most locks are much easier to crack than a password or fingerprint reader.  Does your phone really need more security than your home? 

Exactly. Biometric screening is a far superior way of identification then alpha/numeric pass codes. However it can be defeated with a very specific and targeted effort. If you are the victim of that, then you would simply no longer use that to secure your personal information. Simple. Biometrics aren't the answer to all security issues, but it is a VERY convenient way to do things like make purchase, unlock your phone, whatever, and that's it. It will likely gain a lot of traction now that Apple has incorporated tis into the iPhone. Credit cards may become a thing of the past and I have at least one client per year who is the victim of credit card fraud because someone stole or hacked their number.

[Dangelus]

If your 4 digit passcode is discovered you can change it :-)

I think you are missing the point.  The fingerprint reader was put in for convenience - not necessarily for better security.  How secure is your home?  Most locks are much easier to crack than a password or fingerprint reader.  Does your phone really need more security than your home? 

Exactly. Biometric screening is a far superior way of identification then alpha/numeric pass codes. However it can be defeated with a very specific and targeted effort. If you are the victim of that, then you would simply no longer use that to secure your personal information. Simple. Biometrics aren't the answer to all security issues, but it is a VERY convenient way to do things like make purchase, unlock your phone, whatever, and that's it. It will likely gain a lot of traction now that Apple has incorporated tis into the iPhone. Credit cards may become a thing of the past and I have at least one client per year who is the victim of credit card fraud because someone stole or hacked their number.

It seems that you think you agree with each other but your two statements are in conflict.
I agree it's a convenience thing not hard security which is why it will not be used for anything other than what it does now. No consumer grade fingerprint scanner has avoided being cracked so far. I can't see credit cards ever allowing a system like this. Ironically if somebody got hold of your card I'm sure there would be some lovely prints on it that they could lift and then crack your account!

[Rico]

The genie is already out of the bottle. You can unlock an iPhone with a print and then have access to make purchases.  Just like if your wallet is stolen, if you lose your phone you need to cancel your accounts.  Using a password or print doesn't matter.