How is a passcode lock possibly more secure than biometrics?

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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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Anonymous 0 Comments

Biometric locks do not have any form of lockouts, since they are prone to read errors. Password locks can have backoffs and lockouts when incorrect entries are made. This means that a password-based lock has a limited number of attempts. Some go so far as to wipe the device when you get too many attempts wrong.

A fingerprint is also very accessible while you’re unconscious, while a password isn’t.

In many jurisdictions around the world, you can be legally compelled to provide a fingerprint, but you are not legally compelled to provide a password.

If a copy of my fingerprint is stolen and can somehow be recreated, I can’t change my combination, but I can change a password.

So yeah, lots of reasons why passwords are superior from a security perspective.

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