LSU Computer Science Faculty Furthering Research Into Smartphone Security
March 01, 2023
Smartphone users utilize biometric data like their fingerprint, facial ID, PIN number,
and/or voice recognition to unlock their devices. But what if that information could
be duplicated and reused? That dilemma is at the heart of LSU Computer Science Assistant
Professor Chen Wang’s developing research into hand gripping as a verification method.
“This research focuses on addressing two long-standing issues in mobile device authentication, obtrusiveness and replay threats,” Wang said. “The aim is to reduce the user effort involved in authentication so that they can handle in-situation privacy provisions and to make biometric data not reusable so that an adversary cannot replay your biometrics to spoof your identity.
“The current 3D scanning and printing technologies can forge your fingers, hands, and face. Besides, if the transmission and the storage of your biometric data are not carefully secured, such data could be leaked and reused by an adversary. The biometric data required [for authentication] is all static and never changed. This means that if the biometric data is leaked, an adversary can reuse it to access your device and online accounts.”
Wang's project is part of LSU's commitment to cybersecurity and producing cyber warriors and leaders to protect our economy, people, and borders.