Chaos Computer Club Bypasses Apple's Touch ID System (With Copy of Original Fingerprint)

The Chaos Computer Club claims to be able to bypass Apple's new Touch ID fingerprint sensor with a photo of the original user's fingerprint. The bypass is demonstrated in this short video:


The system is detailed in a how to which requires obtaining the original user's fingerprint:

First, the fingerprint of the enroled user is photographed with 2400 dpi resolution. The resulting image is then cleaned up, inverted and laser printed with 1200 dpi onto transparent sheet with a thick toner setting. Finally, pink latex milk or white woodglue is smeared into the pattern created by the toner onto the transparent sheet. After it cures, the thin latex sheet is lifted from the sheet, breathed on to make it a tiny bit moist and then placed onto the sensor to unlock the phone. This process has been used with minor refinements and variations against the vast majority of fingerprint sensors on the market.

Apple's new iPhone 5s includes a fingerprint sensor called TouchID, which can be used to unlock the iPhone as well as make purchases on the Apple iTunes store. Users, however, can continue to use a pin or password as an alternative to the fingerprint sensor -- though that is arguably even less secure than duplicating someone's fingerprint.

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Top Rated Comments

flash84x Avatar
148 months ago
So a 2400 DPI photograph of the fingerprint is required? I wouldn't call that 'bypassing'.

This just in, every single passcode system bypassed by first acquiring user's passcode.
Score: 155 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the411 Avatar
148 months ago
First, the fingerprint of the enroled user is photographed with 2400 dpi resolution. The resulting image is then cleaned up, inverted and laser printed with 1200 dpi onto transparent sheet with a thick toner setting. Finally, pink latex milk or white woodglue is smeared into the pattern created by the toner onto the transparent sheet. After it cures, the thin latex sheet is lifted from the sheet, breathed on to make it a tiny bit moist and then placed onto the sensor to unlock the phone.

So it's that simple... :rolleyes:
Score: 140 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SuprUsrStan Avatar
148 months ago
Honestly, kocking someone out and using their finger or holding them at gun point results in the same thing. No password, print or pin is safe. It's just a good way to minimize pesky intruders. That's all.
Score: 115 Votes (Like | Disagree)
arn Avatar
148 months ago
Oh dear! At least they won't be ripping my fingers off any time soon.

which is in itself ridiculous. Phones get stolen and then wiped and sold. You are not that precious a snowflake that someone who steals your phone, wants to read your texts. :)

arn
Score: 82 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
148 months ago
How is a 2400 DPI photograph of someones fingerprint an everyday item? I'm sorry but this is click bait pure and simple. :rolleyes:
Score: 79 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pmau Avatar
148 months ago
This is why I use a different body part ;)
Score: 77 Votes (Like | Disagree)