In every device that you can unlock with biometrics like fingerprint or face scanner (Laptops, Tablets, Phones, etc.), they often claim entering a password is safer than using biometrics, and they block the most secure settings and information behind a passcode rather than a quick fingerprint or face scanner. Wouldn’t it be easier to steal a password than it would be to physically copy someone’s fingerprint?
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> Wouldn’t it be easier to steal a password than it would be to physically copy someone’s fingerprint?
Easier for who? And “steal” how? Anyone can see my face, and if you’re determined you can get my fingerprints too. But unless you can read my mind, you have no way to get my password (unless I get careless). And even if you do get it, I can change my password, which is more than I can say for my face or my fingerprints.
Sure, it takes more work to unlock a device using someone else’s biometrics, but it’s a lot easier to get the necessary information. Who are you trying to keep out? If you’re just trying to prevent your friends from unlocking your phone to play pranks on you, biometrics are probably just fine. But if you’re worried about government surveillance, corporate espionage, or serious blackmail, you have to assume your adversary is determined enough to spend time or money faking your biometrics. (The equipment to do that only costs a few hundred bucks at most.)
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