The emergence of any new features in Apple devices (and not only) cause a wave of discussion, debate, criticism. Not spared this fate and a fingerprint scanner built into the iPhone 5s and called Touch ID.
The Canadian newspaper Toronto Star appeared articleEntitled "Fingerprint in iPhone 5s: 10 reasons for the fact that it is a bad idea." title of the article speaks for itself. But let's try to figure out whether or not the Touch ID to criticism - let's take the author's arguments Toronto Star and consider them more closely.
1. There is a video, like a cat unlock the iPhone. How soon will get to the scanner hackers?
Well, yes, there is such a video. Moreover, there are more than one hundred such video, where the Touch ID is unlocked through various parts of the body (including the intimate), but what does this mean? Only that the scanner is able to read the prints not only with fingers. This is bad? Not. Less safe? Also no. Your cat will be able to unlock your iPhone just in case, if you add an imprint of her feet to the trusted list. Well, of course, theoretically possible to assume that the attackers, sneaking your iPhone, and at the same time grab your cat to use it to unlock the device... sounds silly, is not it?
But what about hackers - they have got to the scanner, but the ways of cheating Touch ID are far from of commonly used.
2. If Apple had done something wrong, it will reject biometrics industry back years
Which means "done something wrong"? And why should it so seriously affect the industry, which developed before the advent of Touch ID, and will be developed after, even if it turns out that Apple is really something wrong.
3. Touch ID - the decision non-existent problem
Here the author sets up a painfully familiar for forumnym battles question - why people should buy the iPhone 5s, to pay for it a lot of money if they are satisfied with the iPhone 5. Like forums, such a question very difficult to answer. Or very simply, satisfied the old model - well, so do not buy a new one.
4. Apple uses fear to promote this product
Well, it's really funny. Fear of what? Before a possible theft device? Before the possibility of access to sensitive data? But Touch ID does not have some kind of protection in excess, it just makes the user easier identification compared with the usual input of the password.
5. Wet and contaminated fingers adversely affect the operation of the sensor, causing errors
A strong argument. And still - wet and dirty fingers do not work well with touch screen. So they just need to wash and dry.
6. Somewhere in the smart phone will store your prints, and someone will be able to use
First of all, Touch ID stores its data in a completely separate location, designed specifically for this store. And the rest of the hardware of the smartphone is sent only the result of the form "Check ID successful / unsuccessful." And somehow intercept the data from the side - it is impossible.
Further. The iPhone fingerprints are not stored. When adding a finger print is scanned and converted into a data set, which is stored in the phone. Then, when identifying the finger is scanned again, it turns another set of data that is compared with the first. If the data is the same - there is user authentication. In this case, these data sets are specific to iPhone, using them in a different place (even on the assumption that they somehow can steal) just does not make sense.
Thief will get gibberish, convert that back into your fingerprint will be as "simple" as to recreate from half-eaten cake, and even broken down into smaller parts, the original culinary masterpiece with all the decorations and cream inscriptions. Such comparison led to those familiar with the matter.
7. This is a complex software, which can lead to problems
The author has in mind that complex software less resistant to attacks by hackers. What to say to that? iPhone 5s - not only in the world of electronic device with complex software. And nothing, others somehow live, cope ...
8. It is only for part of the market. The majority of people are not worried about security
Let them do not bother. No one is forcing anyone to use Touch ID, like no one is forced to use a password. But as with the scanner authentication procedure is much easier than with a password - then, perhaps, one of those who had not thought about security, will still use the Touch ID?
9. Possible technical problems in new product
Yes, it happens. But so far no problems noted, moreover, users have reported that the Touch ID «just works," and is working properly. But if we proceed from the logic that every new product may encounter technical problems, and therefore it is bad - then all the new products it is better not to produce, is not it?
10. People will use Touch ID at the initial stage, but then give up, because of the wear sensor identification will be delayed
And whether this delay? Anybody can assert this with confidence? Now there is no delay, the device works quickly and does not cause problems.
And as an outcome. Once again - not forced to use Touch ID is mandatory. The sensor is easy to identify - and all this is not a panacea for all ills, but not their source. Who wants to, he will use it, the others will just use your smartphone familiar from previous models manner.