According to SamMobile, a tipster found the images within the SecSettings.apk at SecSettings\res\drawable-hdpi. This indicates that Samsung could be testing some type of fingerprint scanning technology internally, and these images could’ve been left on older Galaxy S III devices by mistake, or just hidden deep within the file system so that no one could find them, but that didn’t turn out so well for them.

Then again, the images provide no indication of what exactly Samsung might have planned. We’re given just a generic group of fingerprint art, along with an image that shows a user tapping on the home button (or scanning their fingerprint, in this context), as well as some plus signs and a checkmark. Some of the pieces fit together, but we can’t be too sure, of course.

Apple has been rumored to bring fingerprint scanning to iOS devices for a while now. The company purchased security firm AuthenTec last year over the summer, as well as made a deal with biometric security startup Microlatch. Both of these business transactions could be a hint at the possibility of Apple getting into the fingerprint scanning industry.

However, we would take this with a grain of salt for the time being. Apple bought these companies before they released the iPhone 5, but biometric security was nowhere to be found on the new smartphone. It’s still possible that Apple is continuing to work on the technology, which could mean that the next iPhone will come equipped with such a feature. As for Samsung, we could see fingerprint scanning on the Galaxy S 5, although that’s a year away at this point now that the Galaxy S 4 is just being released.

SOURCE: SamMobile

Speaking at the Interop IT conference, Barrett was quite positive that passwords will die sometime this year, even going as far as putting an image of a tombstone up on the screen that gave an “R.I.P.” to passwords. He says that passwords “are starting to fail us,” and that there are better, more secure ways to easily log into accounts in a secure manner.

On top of PayPal, Barrett is the president of the Fast IdentityOnline Alliance (FIDO), which is an organization that aims to change online authentication with an open standard that’s both secure and convenient to use. Barrett thinks that fingerprint scanners will be the wave of the future, and he even brought up rumors about the next iPhone coming equipped with a fingerprint scanner, as well as a handful of other new smartphones.

We can certainly see where Barrett is coming from. Passwords can be really easy to crack, especially if people use the same password for all of their accounts, which is inexcusable, but it makes sense, as many people don’t want to take the time to remember 20 different complex passwords. Two-factor authentication has been making the rounds, requiring users to log in using a password as well confirming their identity through a hardware device, but it’s inconvenient. Barrett thinks that biometrics is not only convenient, but also much more secure than passwords.

However, he noted that passwords simply won’t go away after biometrics are introduced. It’ll certainly take a while before a new standard can completely take over, especially considering that passwords have been the standard for so many years. So while we could see smartphones with integrated fingerprint scanners, it could be a few years before a new security standard takes over full-time.

VIA: Macworld

The system requires a 2-megapixel camera or above to get a good enough shot of the eye, which EyeVerify tells us has been the minor hitch in its plans until recently: we’re only just starting to see phones with suitably high resolution front-facing cameras arrive on the market. It will work with the rear camera, but then you’re reliant on the audio prompts to make sure you’re lining things up properly.

The learning process takes a half minute or so, building up a map of the veins around one or both eyes, and then subsequent identification routines take a few seconds to verify. It’ll work if you’re wearing glasses, too.

EyeVerify is pushing its technology to manufacturers and enterprise customers, rather than individual users, hoping to get the vein security system preloaded on hardware instead of offering it on a per-device download basis. It’s also counting on the recent spate of hacking attempts to “encourage” systems managers to demand more comprehensive security systems.

Given how existing biometrics system, such as Google’s face-recognition on Android, has been more gimmick than actual security, EyeVerify may have an uphill battle proving its option is truly secure. To help it do that, a closed beta will kick off later this year, though there’s no telling when exactly we’ll see EyeVerify show up on actual devices.

The Defense Department awarded a $3 million research contract to the California company to examine its Smart Mobile Identity biometrics identification package. The contract is over two years and at the end of the contract term the Department of Defense wants to see research to validate the concept the company is offering. Under the contract, AOptix will provide the DOD with the hardware peripheral and software solution able to turn commercially available smartphones into biometric scanning devices.

The hardware and software combination should be able to turn the industry available smartphones into something capable of scanning and transmitting data from the eyes, face, phones, and voice of a person of interest. Current systems the US military uses for recording biometric data require a soldier to bring the camera system very close to the subject. The new Smart Mobile Identity system has some ability to record this biometry data at a distance and has better specifications than the current Handheld Interagency Identity Detection System in use today.

The company plans to produce an accessory solution that will wrap around an existing phone to add biometry capabilities. The company hasn’t fully described the peripheral but does note that it shouldn’t impact the phones form factor significantly. The company goes so far as to say that a smartphone using its sensing device would weigh under a pound and only need one hand to operate.

[via Wired]

The FBI has begun to roll out a new nationwide facial recognition system that costs $1 billion. The new system is called the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system and is a nationwide database of mug shots, iris scans, DNA records, voice samples, and other biometric indicators. The goal of the system is to help the FBI identify and capture criminals.

The system sounds very helpful on the surface, but some privacy advocates are concerned that the methods the system uses to capture its biometric data. The concern is because the biometric data is being captured through a network of cameras and photo databases nationwide. Facial recognition systems have come a long way over the years with reports indicating that the system can match a single face from a pool 1.6 million mug shots and passport photos with 92% accuracy in under 1.2 seconds.

Reports indicate that with automated, biometric border controls where the face and corresponding mug shot are well lit the accuracy of the system approaches 100%. For now, the FBI system uses mug shots and driver’s license photos of known criminals, but privacy advocates fear the system because the FBI hasn’t guaranteed it will always limit the system to known criminals. The system could be expanded to use all passport photos and drivers’ license photos of citizens in the US at some point in the future.

[via ExtremeTech]

One of the more attention-catching features of Android 4.0, Face Unlock learns the user’s face and only subsequently unlocks the device if it recognizes them with the front-facing camera. However, Google quickly admitted that the lock-screen alternative was more gimmick than true biometric security, conceding that it could be fooled with a snapshot of the registered user.

Samsung’s modified system, however, adds in the requirement that the user must blink while they’re being observed by Face Unlock, thus going some way to prove that they are a real person rather than a still photograph.

The security is still unlikely to be foolproof, though it does make it a little less straightforward to trick into unlocking. Our own experience with Ice Cream Sandwich suggested that the system was both entertaining and frustrating in equal measure, having trouble with changed haircuts, sunglasses and different expressions.

There’s also data encryption, the option to personalize what text is shown on the display – so you could advertise your contact details should the drive be lost – and dynamic power management. Victorionix even squeeze in a 32-bit processor.

Meanwhile, the Victorinox Apple Secure has 128GB of storage and an integrated fingerprint scanner, together with a new app that works with OS X. No word on pricing or availability for either model at this stage.

Press Release:

Victorinox add the Slim, Slim Duo and Secure SSD USB Devices to their tech offering

Victorinox, the iconic brand behind the renowned Swiss Army Knives and the Secure Pro USB device has today announced the launch of new electronic additions to its technology range. Showcased at CES, the brand unveiled three new products – the Victorinox Slim, Victorinox Slim Duo and the Victorinox Secure SSD.

The Slim range includes advanced USB flash drive, which are available in flight friendly versions and feature unique designs, colours and slim dimensions along with data storage of up to 128GB. The Secure SSD is the world’s smallest 256GB solidstate drive, delivering three times faster read speed and more than double write speed when compared with standard high speed USB Flash devices.

Victorinox Slim and Victorinox Slim Duo
Combines portable data storage USB device with Victorinox standard pocket knife functions including blades, nail file and scissors and is also available in a flight friendly version.

Products are waterproof, shock resistant and available in a range of colours including red, blue, orange, pink, green and silver. The memory capacity is up to 64GB for the Victorinox Slim and 128GB for the Victorinox Slim Duo.

Victorinox Secure SSD
The Secure SSD is the world’s smallest 265GB solid-state drive and includes a Swiss Army Knife and offers secure data encryptions, in addition to delivering superior read and write speed when compared with other high memory USB drives.

Additional features include, Bistable LCD/e-Paper, Graphic display, 96 x 48 Pixel Monochrome; option to personalize text on the display, dynamic power management, 32 bit high speed processor.

Victorinox Apple Secure
The unique Secure Pro device now has technology compatible with Apple devices; the Apple Secure features a removable USB flash drive with secure data encryption, fingerprint authentication and up to 128GB storage. The application delivers all functionality in Apple-inspired graphical user interface (GUI), making all VSA product management software products Apple compatible.

Carl Elsener, Victorinox Chairman, comments: “Victorinox is a brand which has been evolving over the past couple of years to meet the needs of today’s modern, multitasking consumer. Our lines of secure flash drives are essential products for anyone seeking to protect their professional and personal documents. We design each USB Memory product in keeping with the Victorinox heritage of quality, functionality, innovation and iconic design and are thrilled to launch three unique new products to our consumers.”

A chunky silver box with a black rubberised outer “bumper”, the Rugged Safe certainly feels sturdy. It’s also relatively large for a portable drive – 90 x 28 x 145 mm and 298g – and while the upper and lower sections may be aluminium, the edges aren’t; peel off the rubber band and there’s grey plastic there. Ports include USB 2.0, two FireWire 800 and a power input, while slightly recessed on the top is the biometric finger scanner. The two FireWire ports allow for daisy-chaining multiple peripherals. Inside, the 7,200rpm 500GB hard-drive is mounted on rubber bumpers for added shock protection.

Setup is straightforward, with LaCie preloading their Safe Manager security app for Windows and Mac onto the drive itself. On first plugging in – either with a FireWire 800/400 connection or using the USB 2.0 with, if there’s not enough juice coming from a single port, the second USB power cable – you can register up to ten fingerprints. That could be every digit from one user, two digits from five users or a single finger of ten users. These are paired up with a regular alphanumeric password – which LaCie recommend is suitably long and complex – and basically requires swiping a finger three times to give the drive a clear reading. After that, the drive is formatted – FAT32 by default, though you can prematurely quit the setup program and use Windows or OS X to create an NTFS or HFS volume respectively – and then ready to use.

Subsequent computers don’t require LaCie Safe Manager be installed: you simply plug in the drive and swipe your finger. A status LED blinks red to show it’s ready to accept fingerprints; we occasionally had to re-swipe, but mostly the LaCie accepted our print first time. If you’d rather use your password then you’ll have to have Safe Manager installed, however; a pop-up dialog allows you to choose between fingerprint or password authentication. Once either is accepted the drive shows up as a regular removable volume.

Beyond that, using the Rugged Safe is just like using a normal, non-encrypted drive. As you save data to it, it’s automatically secured using 128-bit AES hardware encryption; that means, even if the HDD itself is removed from LaCie’s enclosure, your files are still locked up. There’s a minor performance impact from the added security, though significantly less than software-based encryption systems. We found the Rugged Safe to be only very slightly slower in read and write performance than a standard USB 2.0 or FireWire 800 drive. Unmounting the drive in Windows or OS X automatically locks it up.

As for the ruggedness, while LaCie bill the drive as resilient to scratches, bumps and knocks, it’s a long way off from being a rugged in MIL-SPEC terms. However, it’s probably sufficient for most domestic or business use; after being left in a packed bag we couldn’t see any noticeable marks on the casing, and nor did the regular bumps of daily travel seem to have any impact on our data. An SSD is always going to be your best bet for dealing with significant vibration or knocks, but of course the flip side is the inevitable cost of solid-state storage.

On that front, the LaCie Rugged Safe holds up reasonably well, though it’s certainly not the cheapest route to mobile data. The 500GB version has an MRSP of $189.99/£159.99, while the 1TB model – not yet commercially available – will be$299.99/£259.99. A regular, 500GB non-rugged and non-encrypted USB/FireWire drive is around $110-$120; LaCie’s own 500GB MIL-compliant (though non-biometric) drive is $159.99. There’s free software out there – such as TrueCrypt – which will mimic the security (though without the fingerprint convenience) though with a greater performance impact of course.

Mobile data security is something most of us should consider but few actually put into practice. Given a 500GB external drive can likely hold the majority of our personal documents (and a fair splash of photos, video and other multimedia) with room to spare, that’s even more incentive to make sure the contents are locked up. LaCie’s premium for the Rugged Safe is relatively minor in comparison to some rival biometrically-secured drives, and the simplicity of the fingerprint system takes the sting out of everyday use. Your ripped Britney Spears MP3s might not be worth the extra cash, but if you’re transporting personal information then the LaCie Rugged Safe is an affordable way of making sure it remains for your eyes only.

Both USB and FireWire connectivity is supported, and the drive – and fingerprint scanner – are both bus-powered for ease of use.  There’s also apparently no driver to install; plug in the Rugged Safe, swipe, and you’re good to go.  That should hopefully make usage more straightforward on machines where you don’t have administrator rights.

Up to ten different user profiles are supported, and LaCie bundle both FireWire and USB cables – and a two-port USB power cable – in the box.  It’s available now, priced at $189.99 for the 500GB model and $299.99 for the 1TB.

Press Release:

LaCie’s Rugged Now with Encryption for Maximum Data Security

• 128-bit AES hardware encryption
• Biometric authentication technology
• Mac® and PC compatible
• Bus-powered for full mobility

LaCie today announced the safest mobile hard drive on the market – the LaCie Rugged Safe, offering multiple levels of data protection. The Rugged Safe features unbreakable 128-bit AES hardware encryption, the safest biometric authentication technology, and a shock-proof enclosure.

Designed for people on the go, the LaCie Rugged Safe is bus-powered through USB or FireWire and is compatible with Mac or PC. Where other safe products require software installation on every workstation, the Rugged Safe is plug & play. Once configured, it will grant a user access to his or her data on any computer with a single finger swipe.

More than just a superior solution for portability, the Rugged Safe combines a 128-bit AES encryption engine and biometric fingerprint access – preventing unauthorized access. Professionals can protect and share sensitive files or intellectual property with up to 10 registered users.

“The LaCie Rugged Safe was developed to enable professional or private users to protect their valuable data and intellectual property from theft and unauthorized access,” said Erwan Girard, LaCie Business Unit manager. “We’ve synthesized a range of technologies to ensure this device is the safest and most mobile storage solution – a real vault for your data.”

Like its award-winning cousin, the LaCie Rugged Hard Drive, the Rugged Safe was designed by the world-famous designer, Neil Poulton. With its protective rubber bumper and internal hard drive mounted on four independent suspensions, the Rugged Safe is shock-resistant for maximum reliability and data protection.

The Rugged Safe comes with a superior three-year limited warranty and includes the easy-to-use and customizable LaCie Backup Assistant for Mac and PC users.

Availability
The LaCie Rugged Safe will be available in 500GB through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Corner, LaCie Reseller+ and LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of $189.99 (excluding VAT). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan’s Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of “the ageing pens,” pens made from a “living,” wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie
Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com

If the iWallet is taken further than 15-30ft from the Bluetooth device it’s paired with, an alarm automatically sounds.  Of course, for day to day use you’ll be too busy swiping your finger every time you want to make a payment or grab some cash to think about theft; these things look vaguely cool on the website, but it’s a whole lot geekier when you’re at the front of a long line of people at the checkout.

As for the price, well, iWallet seem to have partially addressed the worry of being robbed for all your cash by demanding that you give it over to them, instead.  The iWallet starts from $299 and shipments begin December 11th; for an extra $99.95 they’ll even engrave your name onto it.

[via Gear Diary]

The carbon fiber frame sits around spokeless wheels which reduce aerodynamic drag, and the concept uses puncture-resistant tires which can self-inflate.  While it might all sound far-fetched, according to Boardman the technology is actually out there just waiting to be put together.

“It could be built now if there was the will” he told reporters recently.  ”All the technologies are already there, it’s just that nobody’s put them all together before.”  Still, he doesn’t expect mass production of such a cycle to be financially feasible for another 20 years.

[via DesignBoom]

The PalmSecure biometric sensor does not register age-lines or anything like fingerprints, in fact it reads and records the unique vein pattern inside your hand. A near-infrared beam goes sub-layer into the palm of your hand, recording the unique patterns into a digitally encrypted file. Data is stored and secured with an in-house two-way encryption algorithm of up to 256 bits, or alternatively Fujitsu will let you apply the encryption method of your choice.

Its accuracy, according to Miller, far exceeds fingerprint scanning and is in fact up near iris and DNA levels, with just 0.00008 percent false acceptance and 0.01 false rejection. “It’s a very highly accurate device which you can’t forge” Miller explained, “and you’re getting it at the fraction of the cost compared to an iris.” The technology has been successfully implemented in various industries worldwide including banks, big-name corporations, healthcare organizations and, now, is expanding into the PC industry with the sensor built into the body of a standard USB mouse.

The PalmSecure’s LogonDirector is designed to work with Windows based desktops and laptops, integrating with the Windows sign-on screen and replacing the standard username and password boxes with a palm-scan prompt. No password entering or card swiping is needed: with spread fingers, you just raise you palm a couple of inches above the mouse, then slowly bring it down. Within the space of an inch, the reader should be able to scan the veins and automatically log you right in. Miller says a single user authentication happens almost instantly, while large multiuser organizations, requiring database access, may require at least a second or more.

The hardware is a standard USB 2.0 PC mouse, and since it’s bus-powered it doesn’t require any sort of battery. When asked about an alternate wireless version, Miller said it’s not currently on the roadmap.

In Fujitsu’s defense, due to low demand in Vista deployment, large enterprises are still using XP thus the device currently only supports Windows 2000 and XP. Nonetheless, Miller assured us that Vista is definitely on the roadmap and, in fact, a new version supporting the OS should be released this quarter. Unfortunately he couldn’t promise anything for Apple or Linux users. “Right now it’s supporting XP; Vista is going to be out very shortly, this quarter. Apple and Linux are not on the target list yet” he continued, “down the road it is, but we don’t have any dates yet.”

The Fujitsu PalmSecure LogonDirector has a suggested retail price of $427 for the hardware and an additional $40 for the app. Standalone versions can be purchased with groups of 1, 10 or 25 user licences; meanwhile volume licenses are available for the Enterprise version, with similar pricing from 1 to 100 users. The Enterprise version includes additional management software, that requires installation on an existing server. That allows for centralized administrative and management control, letting large organizations manage palm vein patterns to an authentication server for more robust security and fine-tuned user privileges.

Right now, Fujitsu seem to be aiming resolutely at business and enterprise users – and with the hardware alone costing as much as an entry-level notebook, we’re not surprised. However we’d expect the PalmSecure technology to filter down to consumer products relatively soon, given the benefits of palm-vein authentication over fingerprint technology.

Sony are quoting authentication accuracy of less than 0.1-percent for the FRR (False Rejection Rate) and less than 0.0001-percent for the FAR (False Acceptance Rate).  Meanwhile mofiria has applications not only in laptops but in mobile devices, as it has relatively low processing demands.  Identification takes only around 0.015 sec using a PC processor, and around 0.25 sec when using a mobile phone CPU.

The company intends to promote mofiria as suitable for use in mobile devices, gateway security systems and solution services.  We should see the first products using it in 2009 or early 2010.

The Fujitsu F-01A is the first docomo PRIME series phone to use the integrated fingerprint security. Beneath its waterproof casing is a revolutionary AuthenTec’s AES1711 fingerprint sensor that works in conjunction with AuthenTec’s TouchStone packaging and TrueNav technology for touchpad-like navigational control. When enables, the phone will lock protection on its stored files and personal information. Also, the TouchStone technology extends beyond normal usage when it comes to durability, the sensor is said to have tripled coated for protection.

No word on pricing just yet, and we don’t know when Fujitsu will make its launch for US market, but The F-01A is available now in Japan through NTT DoComo.