That Fingerprint Sensor on Your Phone Is Not as Safe as You Think [telecom]

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New research suggests that the fingerprint security features on iPhones and Android devices can be easily fooled by so-called MasterPrint fakes.

By VINDU GOEL

SAN FRANCISCO - Fingerprint sensors have turned modern smartphones into miracles of convenience. A touch of a finger unlocks the phone - no password required. With services like Apple Pay or Android Pay, a fingerprint can buy a bag of groceries, a new laptop or even a $1 million vintage Aston Martin. And pressing a finger inside a banking app allows a user to pay bills or transfer thousands of dollars.

While such wizardry is convenient, it has also left a gaping security hole.