Synaptics Launches New Fingerprint Authentication Tech

Synaptics, which makes touch, display and biometric products, has announced its first “self-enclosed” fingerprint authentication geared to laptops and other devices.

VentureBeat reported the news on Thursday (July 9), and Synaptics said the device, known as a “match-in-sensor” fingerprint authenticator, could stimulate growth in mobile transactions due to enhanced security.

The sensor is able to determine a fingerprint that a user holds over a scanning surface, and then the user’s print is matched to a record kept within the device.

According to the release, the sensor itself lies “off the grid,” a term that means the electronics within the sensor are kept separate from those of the rest of the system. Thus the device is self-contained in its efforts to identify fingerprints and is also protected from threats that may harm other electronics. The sensor includes all relevant functions such as the image itself and the storage of the image (and the patterns of the fingerprint), with biometric matching in place as well. The sensor also houses the chips and microprocessors needed for data.

Synaptics noted in the release that devices other than laptops are not as secure, given the vulnerabilities of those devices to malware. Yet, fingerprint ID is making inroads on laptops, and users are also able to start using their laptops to complete online transactions.

In reference to security concerns, Ritu Favre, Synaptics’ biometric senior vice president and general manager, said in the release: “The entire mobile payments ecosystem, driven by rapid adoption of fingerprint authentication technology, is increasingly concerned about reducing security risks and eliminating threats of attack.”

Synaptics said that the “match-in-sensor” technology is available in sample quantities from manufacturers beginning on July 9.

Last month the company said its Natural ID fingerprint sensor, a different product, would be used in a Sharp smartphone, known as the Aquos Zeta SH-03G.

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