Touchscreens Open To Smudge Attacks 185
nk497 writes "The smudges left behind on touchscreen devices could be used to decipher passwords to gain access, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. The report tested the idea out (PDF) on Android phones, which use a graphical pattern that the user traces to unlock the handset. The researchers took photos of the smudge trails left on the screen and bumped up the contrast, finding they could unlock the phone 92% of the time. While they noted Android 2.2 also offers an alphanumeric password option, the researchers claimed such a smudge attack could be used against other touchscreen interfaces, including bank machines and voting machines. 'In future work, we intend to investigate other devices that may be susceptible, and varied smudge attack styles, such as heat trails caused by the heat transfer of a finger touching a screen,' they said."
Re:Rather simple fix (Score:5, Funny)
You'll find it's actually quite common to get incredibly lucky in stories that you made up. In fact, just the other day when I was getting a blowjob from Jessica Alba, a million dollars fell into my lap.
Pro tip (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Rather simple fix (Score:3, Funny)
that must be made up. what probably really happened was the million dollars fell on her head and she didn't get to finish her job.
Re:Rather simple fix (Score:3, Funny)
> solution? wipe the screen regularly or dont use your ipad while eating barbecue ribs.
So, never use an ipad?
Re:Just randomize the keyboard every time (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Rather simple fix (Score:3, Funny)
Or get an iPhone. Yes in theory the smug attack still exists.
Oh, I'm pretty sure that there's no "in theory" about it.