Trend of Digital Fingerprinting

Current mobile device fingerprinting technologies employ both passive and active methods of monitoring network activity or the application layer on top of Wi-Fi or other wireless network traffic. This traditional methodology of fingerprinting often does not accurately recognize individual devices or their user’s behavior and thus leads to insufficient and potentially ineffective controls to protect both the device hardware and the networking infrastructure it runs on. Some of these devices, such as smart phones and “smart” laptops, run unceremoniously in many public locations. With little to no defense against hackers, these devices easily fall victim to security breaches. Fortunately, new mobile device fingerprinting technologies have evolved that employ hardware that can be configured with the appropriate biometrics, which allow for optimal performance while eliminating many of the potential vulnerabilities associated with manual scanning.

 

The most common form of mobile security camera applications include “web browser fingerprinting.” This technology involves the use of digital fingerprints (an algorithm specifying specific patterns and geometric forms of the fingerprint) to gain access to websites. Because the stored image is stored as an encrypted image, no one but the user and authorized users can see this stored image. While this provides a high level of protection, it is also susceptible to misuse by unauthorized users or malware. For instance, if malicious software is installed on a computer that has been infected with malicious adware, the browser fingerprinting technology will allow authorized users to gain access to websites, but these individuals will not be able to derive any confidential information from the images.

 

There are other forms of web browser fingerprinting technologies that use digital fingerprinting techniques to track user behavior. The most common of these are VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and WAP (Web application Protocol). These use digital fingerprinting techniques to capture user conversations, browsing habits, and send these details back to the service provider for analysis and reporting. While some argue that this monitoring techniques are too intrusive and are unneeded due to privacy concerns, privacy experts point out that all the data being sent is ultimately received by the service provider anyway, and for the most part, the use of this type of technology is beneficial to businesses. In fact, some argue that the data being captured by these tracking techniques can be more useful to businesses than traditional telephone records because everything is stored in the clear and does not need to be re-purposed or sold.

 

Private browsing browsers have recently been introduced to the market. Unlike the public versions, which can be freely used by anyone, private browsing programs require users to use specially created fingerprint devices to gain access to them. Unlike the public versions, which can be freely downloaded from the Internet, private browsing programs require users to enter a PIN number or use a biometric token. This token can only be deciphered by the manufacturer of the hardware, and users can only access the pages of their own fingerprint. While there is some controversy surrounding the use of biometrics in this case, it is agreed that the technology is completely safe and reliable as long as the pages are transmitted only to the manufacturer.

 

Fingerprint technology has also been adapted to mobile computing. A mobile device, for instance, can synchronize with a desktop or laptop through the use of radio signals. The advantage of this technology is the increased security it offers users by ensuring that only they can read their fingerprint; thus, preventing others from accessing their secure information. As mobile devices continue to improve their functionality, they may well incorporate fingerprinting function into their design.

 

Another very interesting technology that is currently being used on a smaller scale is smart phone fingerprinting. These phones utilize the power of the cellular network to allow online users to access secure data points. Rather than having to type in a PIN number, the user simply needs to place their finger on the home button of their phone, which then authenticates a fingerprint scan. Once a fingerprint is verified, the user can gain access to an array of secured data points. This type of smart phone fingerprinting has enabled many businesses to take advantage of the convenience that comes with on-the-go use; and that is, by using their mobile device to make bookings.

 

Another fingerprinting function that is fast gaining popularity is the usage of Bluetooth signals. By using Bluetooth, users can directly connect to the closest available wireless device without the need for a password. As more Bluetooth enabled devices are manufactured, we will see these devices integrated into more applications.

 

In summary, there are many emerging technologies that will enable users to be able to take more control over their personal safety and security. However, all of these technologies have one common factor: they rely on biometrics – specifically digital fingerprints. This is a highly secure method of verifying the identity of the person carrying a device, which will enable them to take a number of different precautions to ensure that they remain a safe target. These methods include storing GPS location data, controlling access to secured areas, remotely wiping all data, and in the case of browser fingerprinting, using it as a means to access secure areas. All of these methods can be used, but none of them are foolproof or fail-proof.