Re: Security procedure question

["Saqib Ali" <docbook.xml () gmail com>]

There is a misconception that bio-metric somehow increases the
security of the mobile device. IT DOES NOT!

All it is does is make the logon process easier and simpler. The
bio-metric logon process can, in most cases, be circumvented by
escaping out of the logon sequence, and logging in using the regular
username and password. However if the user set a really complex
password, a dictionary attack would be impossible, while a brute-force
attack would take a very very long time. The user can use a really
complex password like '3mb55y53curity', without actually having to
type in this password upon each logon. So indirectly biometrics
improves the security of the mobile devices when used in conjunction
with a complex strong password.

See:
http://www.full-disc-encryption.com/biometrics_and_encryption.htm#mozTocId415582

for more info on biometric readers that come with Dell and HP laptops.

As for the issue with the  "residual skin oils left on the device
surface", swipe-through biometric  scanners are designed to address
those issues. With swipe through scanner the attacks with shining
light and breathing on the scanner are not possible.

On 9/21/06, Henry Troup <HenryT () watchfire com> wrote:
> Mario A. Spinthiras describes a three-factor authentication system:
>
> > - What you know
> > - What you have
> > - Who you are
>
> which is excellent, but there are a couple of caveats.
>
> To maintain the independence of the factors requires end-user best
> practices, specifically not keeping the USB device conveniently at hand
> in the laptop bag.  This requires training and a continual awareness
> campaign.
>
> In the case where the USB fingerprint reader is stolen with the laptop,
> there is some degradation of security, possibly a lot:
>
> I haven't found an authoritative update to show that today's fingerprint
> readers are any more secure than the ones that Tsutomu Matsumoto spoofed
> in 2002 - details at http://cryptome.org/gummy.htm and
> http://cryptome.org/fake-prints.htm
>
> At that time, some fingerprint readers could be spoofed as easily as
> breathing on them, or with a flashlight at just the correct angle.  Both
> of these techniques leverage the residual skin oils left on the device
> surface.
>
> So, a careless user could take it down to single-factor authentication.
> To manage this, you need to use the principle of "make the right thing
> an easy thing"; somehow make it in the user's interest to keep the parts
> separated.  (As an aside, remember that male and female users may have
> significantly different preferred styles of device; in general males
> have pockets, females may have no pockets and prefer a purse.)
> Strangely enough, that would push in the direction of Bluetooth over
> USB; even though normally we feel that wireless devices don't add
> security.  BMW has gone this route with some recent automobiles,
> preferring a proximity card over a physical key.
>
> Also, you need to ensure that authorized service people can work on the
> laptop without compromise of the confidential information; that is, you
> still need user-level encryption inside the boot-level protection.
>
>
> Henry Troup
> Watchfire Corporation
> Suite 300, 1 Hines Rd.
> Kanata, ON K2K 3C7 Canada
> 613-599-3888 x4048
>
>
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--
Saqib Ali, CISSP, ISSAP
Support http://www.capital-punishment.net
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This list is sponsored by: Norwich University

EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE
The NSA has designated Norwich University a center of Academic Excellence 
in Information Security. Our program offers unparalleled Infosec management 
education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. 
Using interactive e-Learning technology, you can earn this esteemed degree, 
without disrupting your career or home life.

http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus
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