Preventing Cell Phone Intrusion and Theft using Biometrics

Abstract

Most cell phones use a password, PIN, or visual pattern to secure the phone. With these types of security methods being used, there is much vulnerability. Another alternative is biometric authentication. Biometric security systems have been researched for many years. Some mobile manufacturers have implemented fingerprint scanners into their phones, such as the old Fujitsu F505i [7] and the current Motorola Atrix. Since theft of cell phones is becoming more common every day, there is a real need for a security system that not only protects the data, but the phone itself. It is proposed through this research that a biometric security system be the alternative to knowledge-based and password-based authentication. Furthermore, a device dongle must be implemented into this infrastructure to establish a reliable security system that deters theft for the majority; biometrics alone is not sufficient. Cell phones need power and must be charged almost daily. A biometric phone charger that acts as a dongle with a solid state relay, will be presented as a viable solution to theft in this research. Additionally, it will be shown through the results of this research that a system dependant only on biometrics is unreliable and unsecure.Essentially, a mobile security system that combines biometrics with dongle technology is believed to be the ideal solution for limiting the black market of stolen cell phones; without the biometric charger/dongle, the stolen cell phone would be rendered useless.

Challenging USB fingerprint scanner security protocol: a methodology using casting agents to capture digit and latent ridge detail to enable access

“…This discovery depicts the ease in which a user's latent fingerprint can be obtained even from a curved surface and used to spoof access. This conflicts at some level with work conducted by Ohana et al (2013), wherein latent fingerprints were captured using Mikrosil, an alternative agent to Provil. Where the material was applied directly onto the finger, initial performances did not breach the tested fingerprint scanner as a stand-alone material, only when combined with moisture was access granted.…”

“…Where the material was applied directly onto the finger, initial performances did not breach the tested fingerprint scanner as a stand-alone material, only when combined with moisture was access granted. Ohana et al (2013) also tested using direct casting of a latent print, however, these produced negative results for spoofing as access was not granted using this approach. Differences in results could be due to a number of variables notably fingerprint scanner tested, ridge detail quality of the latent impression specifically depletion of fingerprints, casting agent as well as the enhancing fingerprint powder to name but a few.…”

“…Once positioned, these fingerprints were powdered with Magneta Flake, applied with a magnetic wand to enhance the ridge detail. With excess powder removed, Provil was then placed directly onto the enhanced ridge detail to a depth of 3 mm, a factor in ensuring durability (Ohana et al, 2013). Once dry, the cast was lifted.…”

“…Two scanners were preselected from the USB scanners currently available on the market (Bowden-Peters et al, 2012). Selection was based on their current price and, the latter graded from customer reviews (Ohana et al, 2013). Two pricing brackets were chosen, the first being from 0-20 GBP, the second from 21 GBP upwards.…”

“…Some of these industries have adopted a return to existing methods of authentication, while others have explored fertile ground and created novel methods of verification using fingerprint scanners (Shrivastava and Srivastava, 2014). Ohana et al (2013) provide an example of study which examined the growing use of biometrics within mobile technology. This is of particular significance as seen recently with the increase in biometric capabilities of cellular device such as the IPhone and its Touch ID technology (Goode, 2014).…”