this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2024
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Has anyone here had success with USB fingerprint scanners? I also found this Microsoft keyboard with fingerprint reader but I don't know if it works with linux.

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 month ago (1 children)

For simple PC unlocking etc. they are perfectly fine and improve security due to their far higher usability.

The same way 10 key files on 10 different locations combined with this and that are more secure than a simple 60 character password. But the simple password is far more practical, so far more secure overall since people actually use it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's easier to steal, copy, or alternatively subpoena a fingerprint.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Xkcd 538

For most people, the only security they really need is against people either stealing devices or accessing them without permission. In those cases, biometrics (if implemented properly) and passwords are roughly equivalent.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

This is why we have duress passwords.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

"we" as in absolutely not most people.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Just people who include "getting beaten with a wrench by my adversaries" in their threat model