Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device sold by Microsoft, primarily for homes and small businesses. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona.

Fingerprint readers can be more secure, reliable and convenient than a traditional password,[1] although they have been subject to spoofing. A fingerprint recognition system is more tightly linked to a specific user than, e.g., an access card, which can be stolen.[2]

History

First released on September 4 2004,[3] this device was supported by Windows XP and Windows Vista x86 operating systems.[4] It was discontinued shortly after Windows Vista was released.[5]

Functionality

The Fingerprint Reader's software allows the registration of up to ten fingerprints per device. Login names and passwords associated with the registered fingerprints were stored in a database on the user's computer.[citation needed]

On presentation of an authorized fingerprint, the software passes the associated login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, allowing login without a keyboard. If the software finds that the particular fingerprint does not match one it its database, it declines the access.

Application

64-bit Windows

The Microsoft Fingerprint Reader may be modified to work with 64-bit Windows.[6]

Firefox browser

The reader works with Firefox using the FingerFox Add-on.

See also

References

  1. ^ Thanh Tran, Brian (2006-12-01). "Biometric Security: Are Inexpensive Biometric Devices Reliable Enough to Gain Wide-Spread Security Usage?". Inquiry.
  2. ^ Tiwari, Aditya (2016-03-27). "How Does A Fingerprint Scanner Work — The Application Of Biometrics". Inquiry. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30.
  3. ^ Robert McMillan (2006-03-06). "Researcher Hacks Microsoft Fingerprint Reader". IDG News Service. Archived from the original on 2021-02-20. Retrieved 2006-05-04.
  4. ^ "Microsoft Fingerprint system requirements". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2009-03-13. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  5. ^ Slater-Robins, Max (October 20, 2015). "11 weird products that you probably didn't know Microsoft made". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
  6. ^ "Microsoft Fingerprint Reader compatibility project - TeknoGods.com". teknogods.com. Archived from the original on 2018-02-18. Retrieved 2018-05-06.

WebArchive of MS Fingerprint home page