Fingerprint Scanner That Works From 6 Feet

Bruce Schneier found a somewhat older story that I haven't seen before about a device that is smaller than a tissue box, but uses two 1.3 megapixel cameras and a polarized light source to scan a fingerprint from two meters away.

Re:this sounds very useful for you

[i kan reed]

But they would have a picture of who it was who showed the fake fingerprint if they have security issues.

Isn't this bad for fingerprint scanners?

[zill]

Fingerprint Sniffer That Works From 6 Feet

Doesn't this technology invalidate all existing fingerprint scanners? An attacker can easily mine the fingerprints of every employee of a company by leaving a few innocent looking rocks in their parking lot.

Re:Isn't this bad for fingerprint scanners?

[MischaNix]

People don't give a damn about the validity of their existing security technologies. They just like the feeling of security.

Re:Hook up a second camera

[louic]

I am not a lawyer, but the USA have proven often enough that they think they can do whatever they want for "national security", no matter whether it is legal or not.

Re:Why?

[milkmage]

Why? because you didn't read:

"Currently, individuals entering a military installation must place their fingers on a scanner, with a Marine standing beside them to help ensure a viable print. Powell would prefer there to be a safe distance between the Marine and the person being scanned."

aside from personal safety, if you don't touch the pad, you don't smudge it.. thus the part about "viable print"