This article needs additional citations for
verification. (February 2018) |
Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device sold by Microsoft, primarily for homes and small businesses. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona.
Fingerprint readers are more secure, reliable and convenient than a normal traditional password, [1] although they have been subject to spoofing. A fingerprint recognition system is more tightly linked to a specific user than, e.g., an access card, which can be stolen. [2]
First released on September 4 2004, [3] this device was supported by Windows XP and Windows Vista x86 operating systems. [4] It was discontinued shortly after Windows Vista was released. [5]
The Fingerprint Reader's software allows the registration of up to ten fingerprints per device. Login names and passwords associated with the registered fingerprints were stored in a database on the user's computer. [6]
On presentation of an authorized fingerprint, the software passes the associated login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, allowing login without a keyboard. If the software finds that the particular fingerprint does not match one it its database, it declines the access.
The Microsoft Fingerprint Reader may be modified to work with 64-bit Windows. [7]
The reader works with Firefox using the FingerFox Add-on.