9/21/2017 Hackers recreate fingerprints using public photos - Dec. 30, 2014

http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/30/technology/security/fingerprint-hack/index.html 1/4

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Cyber-Safe

Hackers recreate fingerprints using publicphotos

A German hacking group claims that it can recreate your fingerprints from the other side of theworld.

At a cybersecurity convention in Hamburg last week, the "Chaos Computer Club" demonstratedhow it can mimic a fingerprint just by analyzing photographs.

Fingerprints have been recreated from smudges on windows and other smooth surfaces. In thepast, forgers have used tape, a scanner, some plastic material and glue to build a gummyfingerprint that can fool scanners.

But the Chaos Computer Club says this is the first time fingerprints have been spoofed from afar.The group's leader, known as "Starbug," said he was able to recreate the thumbprint of theGerman Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen, from several news photos.

The hack isn't terribly complicated, but it's also not something most people would have thepatience or ability to pull o. Starbug printed the fingerprint from the photos onto tracing paper,copied it onto a plastic board, covered it in graphite and made a dummy print by coating theplastic in wood glue.

Not easy. Still he made a dummy fingerprint from a photo. Impressive.

Related: iPhone encryption stops FBI, but not this 7-year old

Hackers recreated the thumbprint of German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen using several newsphotos.

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9/21/2017 Hackers recreate fingerprints using public photos - Dec. 30, 2014

http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/30/technology/security/fingerprint-hack/index.html 2/4

In one demonstration, the dummy print was able to trick Apple's ( , Tech30) TouchID (whichcontrols Apple Pay).

"There will be no need to steal objects carrying the fingerprints anymore," the group said in apreview of the event. "After this talk, politicians will presumably wear gloves when talking inpublic."

The Club said the presentation calls into question the validity of fingerprint security systems. Itwould be dicult to do anything useful with the German Defense Minister's fingerprints, but youcould use the hacking method to get into your friend's iPhone.

Related: Researchers claim to hack fingerprint sensor on Samsung Galaxy S5

CNNMoney (New York)First published December 30, 2014: 8:00 AM ET

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