With the advent of the iPhone X, Apple introduced its disruptive FaceID technology that identifies user’s face to unlock the device, replacing the TouchID. Since the latest flagship features an edge-to-edge display, Apple had to figure out to replace the fingerprint scanner. The company also claims that the FaceID is foolproof and can’t be hacked using a two-dimensional picture of the user to unlock the phone.
The new technology has passed almost all the security tests with flying colours; until a security firm called Bkav allegedly created a mask to beat the FaceID. Bkav claims that it understands how AI functions on the FaceID, allowing them to bypass the biometric system. The firm used different materials to create certain portions of the mask.
Bkav believes Apple is relying too much on the FaceID’s AI and the $150 can be used to dig personal secrets from public figures, political leaders, billionaires etc. The firm also says that fingerprint scanner is still the best way to keep the intruders from breaking into your phone.
"The mask is crafted by combining 3D printing with makeup and 2D images, besides some special processing on the cheeks and around the face, where there are large skin areas, to fool AI of Face ID." -Ngo Tuan Anh,Vice President of Cyber Security, Bkav
This isn’t the first time the FaceID got tricked. Mashable tested the feature on identical twins by making one register his face on the iPhone X, verify that he could unlock the phone by looking at it and then hand the locked device to his identical twin brother. The FaceID failed to tell the difference and unlocked the phone.
While many have made attempts to break in using photos masks and twins, we are still to know if the possibility is true enough. While apple says FaceID is foolproof, we think cracking into an iPhone X may not be as easy or cheap as it sounds. Although many may have cracked into the possibility with ease (maybe) we await Apple's response on the matter.
