History of Computers - Touch ID

Introduction

Touch ID is a fingerprint recognition system released by Apple in 2013.

Overview

Touch ID was first released by Apple in 2013 with the iPhone 5s and has been featured on all iPhones released since except the iPhone X (History of Computers - iPhone). Touch ID allows users to unlock their device and various other applications through a sensor on the home button. The sensor is protected by a sapphire crystal covering and a steel ring surrounding the home button detects the fingerprint and tells the sensor to begin scanning. The sensor takes a high-resolution image of the fingerprint then maps it.[2] Basic shape of the fingerprint is first mapped then the unique areas of the print are captured and saved. When a user activates the sensor again their print is read then compared saved approved prints. Touch ID greatly improves the security of a device and the ease of use. Security is improved with a 1:50,000 chance of a match with another section of the scanned fingerprint, which could possibly allow someone to gain access, as opposed to the 1:10,000 chance of guessing the 4-digit password used by many for their device. When connected to other applications on the device a user can their other application without going through the process of entering other passwords.[3]

Significance

Touch ID has made the use of biometric security more widely available to the public. Though there have been fingerprint scanners built into devices before Touch ID has proved to be the most widely used and through coming with the iPhone it has made the idea of biometric security known and used by a greater population. Several companies such as Lloyds Bank have already made it mandatory to be screened by Touch ID in order to use their applications.[4] Mabey one day we will no longer use passwords but will rather unlock our world with our own unique fingerprints. [5]