Not even twins can fool Windows Hello, the biometric authentication platform built into the new Windows 10 operating system. In anexperiment conducted by The Australian with six sets of twins, the system never falsely granted access to any of the twins trying to log in under their siblings’ names.
Windows Hello did occasionally have issues granting access at all, as one set of twins could not log in while siblings found that the system took some time to authenticate their identities. But the most important thing from a security standpoint is that Windows Hello never granted access inappropriately. Much of the system’s success can probably be credited to its three-camera system, which uses a combination of a 3D lens, an infra-red lens, and a normal camera to scan the user. While reliance on infrared imaging has hindered third-party support somewhat, since those kinds of cameras are currently a bit rare in the market, the associated security benefits are clearly valuable.
While the twins test is more of a stunt than a serious security test, the success of Windows Hello in restricting access to unauthorized users is a testament to the power of biometric security on digital platforms and devices. It also speaks well of the FIDO Alliance standards, which Microsoft has adhered to with its new security apparatus. As the popular new OS shows increasing numbers of users the power of this kind of security, it’s likely to spread even further in the digital and consumer electronics landscape.
Source: The Australian
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August 21, 2015 – by Alex Perala
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