Biometric spoofing - Are fingerprints a reliable identification marker?

Biometric spoofing has huge implications in today s world where everything from our smart phones to border control and airports require our fingerprints to authenticate our identity. In this quasi-experimental study, we have attempted to create artificial fingerprints with the help of 20 volunteers. We have then tested these artificial fingerprints on optical and capacitive fingerprint sensors to investigate whether it is possible to fool them. The purpose of our study was to determine the acceptance rates of these artificial fingerprints and also to compare the reliability of optical and capacitive fingerprint sensors. The dummy fingerprints were created using silicon impression material and wood glue. The results showed that artificial fingerprints had an acceptance rate of 87% by the optical sensors and 95% by the capacitive sensors. Upon data analysis we also saw that the sensors had a high sensitivity but very low specificity, meaning that they accepted many false positives, i.e., many artificial fingerprints. We also noted that the optical sensors were slightly more reliable than the capacitive ones. Hence, we can conclude from our study that it is possible to easily spoof optical and capacitive fingerprint sensors. This poses a huge security risk which must be addressed by manufacturers and be known to the users of biometric fingerprint sensors.