An Overview of Fingerprint-Based Authentication: Liveness Detection and Beyond

In this paper, we provide an overview of fingerprint sensing methods used for authentication. We analyze the current fingerprint sensing technologies, from algorithmic, as well as from hardware perspectives. We then focus on methods to detect physical liveness, defined as techniques that can be used to ensure that a living human user is attempting to authenticate on a system. We analyze how effective these methods are at preventing attacks where a malicious entity tries to trick a fingerprint-based authentication system to accept a fake finger as a real one (spoofing attacks). We then identify broader attack points against biometric data, such as fingerprints. Finally, we propose novel measures to protect fingerprint data.