We 3D Printed Our Heads To Bypass Facial Recognition Security And It Worked | Forbes

Summary

In this experiment, facial recognition systems on various smartphones (iPhone 10, LG G7, Samsung S9, Samsung Note 8, and OnePlus 6) were tested for security using a 3D printed head. The results showed that while Apple's Face ID was the most secure, other phones, such as the OnePlus 6, were easily tricked. Samsung and LG devices also demonstrated vulnerabilities under certain lighting conditions and settings. The test concluded that biometrics can be bypassed with enough effort, and using a PIN or password remains the most secure method for protecting devices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly widespread, from shopping centers to schools, raising privacy concerns.
• 😀 Smartphones use facial recognition to protect your digital life, but how secure is it really?
• 😀 A 3D-printed head was used to test the security of facial recognition systems on various phones.
• 😀 The test involved five different devices: iPhone 10, LG G7, Samsung S9, Samsung Note 8, and OnePlus 6.
• 😀 The OnePlus 6 was the least secure, unlocking almost immediately when presented with the 3D-printed head.
• 😀 Samsung devices (S9 and Note 8) had some vulnerabilities, with the Note 8 being more secure but still susceptible in certain conditions.
• 😀 LG G7 allowed access when facial recognition was set to a lower security setting, prioritizing speed over security.
• 😀 Apple's Face ID system was found to be the most secure, unable to be bypassed by the 3D-printed head.
• 😀 The experiment revealed that facial recognition systems can be bypassed with enough effort and resources.
• 😀 For maximum security, it’s recommended to rely on PINs or passwords instead of solely on biometric methods, as biometrics can be compromised.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the facial recognition security test?

The main goal of the test was to evaluate the security of various facial recognition systems on smartphones by attempting to bypass them using a 3D printed head designed to mimic a real human face.

Which smartphones were tested in the facial recognition security experiment?

The smartphones tested in the experiment were the iPhone 10, LG G7, Samsung S9, Samsung Note 8, and OnePlus 6.

How did the OnePlus 6 perform in the facial recognition test?

The OnePlus 6 was the most vulnerable, as it unlocked immediately when presented with the 3D printed head, showing poor security.

What factors influenced the performance of the Samsung S9's facial recognition system?

The performance of the Samsung S9's facial recognition system was influenced by lighting conditions, with the phone unlocking successfully only in the right angle and lighting conditions.

How did the Samsung Note 8's facial recognition system perform?

The Samsung Note 8 performed reasonably well, but it could still be unlocked with the 3D printed head when using the faster facial recognition setting. The phone was less secure when speed was prioritized over accuracy.

What did the LG G7 offer in terms of security settings for facial recognition?

The LG G7 allowed users to choose between faster facial recognition (less secure) or slower, more secure facial recognition. The slower setting was harder to bypass, but the faster setting was more vulnerable.

Why was Apple's Face ID more secure compared to other devices tested?

Apple's Face ID was more secure because it could not be fooled by the 3D printed head during the test, highlighting the extensive security measures Apple has incorporated into its facial recognition system.

What role does lighting play in facial recognition security, as seen in the test?

Lighting played a significant role in the facial recognition test. Softer, warmer light allowed the 3D printed head to bypass some security settings, while brighter light sometimes hindered the recognition, making the phone harder to trick.

What is the main recommendation for smartphone security in relation to facial recognition?

The main recommendation for smartphone security is to use a PIN or password instead of relying solely on biometric security, as facial recognition systems can be bypassed with enough time, resources, and the right conditions.

What conclusion was drawn about the vulnerability of facial recognition systems in smartphones?

The conclusion was that while facial recognition systems provide convenience, they are not foolproof. Biometric systems can be spoofed, and the safest approach for securing personal data remains using PINs or passwords.