Apple Says Touch ID Does Not Store Fingerprints

[Maura]

The Wall Street Journal’s Digits blog (aptly named, on this occasion!) today has an in-depth look at Apple’s new Touch ID system, which should answer some of the questions and concerns that people have about the innovative new feature. According to a representative from Apple who was interviewed by the blog, the new Touch ID program only stores fingerprint data, which is encrypted in the iPhone’s processor, rather than storing fingerprint images. The digital signature can then be used to unlock the phone, or to make a payment for an item from the App Store, iTunes, or iBooks.

Digits goes on to say that with only fingerprint data being stored, even if an iPhone’s encrypted fingerprint data chip was cracked, it would not be possible to reverse-engineer a fingerprint.

Apple also states that it will not, at present, be letting third-party developers use the technology. The Apple spokesperson also referred to various other security features built in to the Touch ID system, including the fact that users must also create a backup passcode in order to unlock the phone if it is rebooted, or hasn’t been unlocked for 48 hours.

Apple did admit, however, that the fingerprint scanner is still not perfect, as testers have found that it won’t work if fingers are too sweaty or wet, and it also struggles to read fingers that may be scarred. The spokesperson then said that in such a case, another finger could be used other than the scarred finger, but that doesn’t take into account someone whose whole hand could be affected.

Source: Apple: New iPhone Not Storing Fingerprints, Doesn?t Like Sweat - Digits - WSJ