Fingerprint reader - is it more risky to have one?

Skyrunner

New Member
Hi forum.
I'm looking for a new laptop, leaning especially toward a Lenovo. Many of the Lenovo and other brands like HP have a built-in fingerprint reader. This is probably very handy for saving time with multiple daily site log-ins but what if my laptop is stolen? From what I've seen on the web, fingerprint readers are easily fooled. Unlike a master password that resides in my head, if the print reader is hacked, the thief can access my bank account and CC accounts. Great!
I'm interested to know what the consensus is out there about fingerprint readers. Are they worth it or are they more of a security vulnerability than a security measure? Are there any good security alternatives aside from the old-fashioned cut-&-paste login?
Thanks.
 

trewyn15

New Member
Hi forum.
I'm looking for a new laptop, leaning especially toward a Lenovo. Many of the Lenovo and other brands like HP have a built-in fingerprint reader. This is probably very handy for saving time with multiple daily site log-ins but what if my laptop is stolen? From what I've seen on the web, fingerprint readers are easily fooled. Unlike a master password that resides in my head, if the print reader is hacked, the thief can access my bank account and CC accounts. Great!
I'm interested to know what the consensus is out there about fingerprint readers. Are they worth it or are they more of a security vulnerability than a security measure? Are there any good security alternatives aside from the old-fashioned cut-&-paste login?
Thanks.

I've had no issues with mine but don't use it all that much.

I think if someone stole your computer and knew how to hack through the fingerprint scanner they'd also know how to pull your old passwords and get through your computer that way.
 

PohTayToez

Active Member
Unfortunately it's pretty easy to remove the password from most operating systems. It's not meant to keep out "hackers", just the average person. The only way to keep anyone out for sure is to encrypt the hard drive using something like TrueCrypt.
 

Ankur

Active Member
I would recommend not to save bank account and other info like password in your computers. Trojans can access your PC very easily if not secured.
I would recommend you to use normal windows password and then syskey password.
Fingerprint reader. . hmm I haven't used it yet, but its another thing that can be hacked easily. :(
 

Skyrunner

New Member
I guess if the machine is stolen, all's lost anyway. It makes sense to keep the most important passwords outside of the computer in the first place.

Thanks for the good advice.
 
Top