Synaptics Tips Secure, Isolated Fingerprint Sensor

Fingerprint sensors are an easy way to protect your phone from prying eyes, but are they secure enough? Synaptics has a new solution that isolates the fingerprint data on its own chip.

The company's Match-in-Sensor is an SoC-based (System on Chip) device whereby a single device handles input and output. "By performing security-sensitive functions completely inside the SoC, Match-in-Sensor adds a new level of security due to total isolation from the host operating system," Synaptics said.

When the fingerprint sensor is connected to the main processor, the company said, it is vulnerable to system malware.

"The entire mobile payments ecosystem, driven by rapid adoption of fingerprint authentication technology, is increasingly concerned about reducing security risks and eliminating threats of attack," Ritu Favre, senior vice president and general manager of Synaptics's Biometric Products Division (BPD), said in a statement. "Match-in-Sensor technology provides for the requirements of smartphone manufacturers, the convenience for end-users, and the security for online service providers when authenticating their customers."

Synaptics said it is sampling its technology with device makers now, but did not announce any partnerships.

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In March, Qualcomm unveiled what it calls "the mobile industry's first biometric security platform based on ultrasonic technology." The Qualcomm Snapdragon Sense ID 3D fingerprint technology is designed for more secure password-less authentication. The technology uses ultrasonic sound waves to "directly penetrate" the outer layers of the skin and capture 3D details that you can't get with current touch-based fingerprint technologies.