Authorities in China are cautioning citizens against using the V sign in photographs, as it could lead to fingerprint theft. This advisory was highlighted by state media in advance of the upcoming May holidays. Experts indicate that a clear image of a person's fingers taken from as little as 1.5 meters away can be sufficient to replicate a fingerprint. Notably, a study conducted by Japanese researchers in 2017 revealed that no advanced tools are necessary for this process. This method was previously employed by a hacker in 2014 to duplicate the fingerprints of Germany's Defense Minister, utilizing images captured at a public gathering. While the risk may seem exaggerated—since actual misuse of a fingerprint is quite complex—it's important to remember that unlike passwords, fingerprints cannot be easily changed. To minimize potential risks, individuals are advised to refrain from sharing high-resolution photographs on social media platforms. Do you utilize fingerprint unlocking on your smartphone? Yes, I appreciate the convenience! No, I don't trust such devices. Well, I might reconsider now...
Informational material. 18+.
