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Nairaland Forum / Science/Technology / Phones / Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives (18797 Views)
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Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by cyber5(m): 9:11pm On Jul 11, 2017 |
Still using pattern lock for your Android phone? Here is why pattern lock is not secure and how you can protect you by using an alternative locking method. Smartphones have become a device where you keep a lot of personal data. You may have information such as your credit card numbers, address or scanned personal documents. Because you have such sensitive data, you add a security method to prevent others from accessing it. A popular security method around 40% of Android users choose is a pattern lock. A pattern lock may sound more appealing because it’s easier to enter. Also, no one can see you tap on particular letters and numbers. But, are pattern locks really that secure? The Risks of Pattern Locks According to new security research from Lancaster University, Northwest University in China, and the University of Bath, 95% of Android patterns can easily be guessed in 5 attempts or less. This study discovered that hackers could easily guess your pattern lock by filming you as you enter your pattern lock. The hacker can easily be up to two and a half meters away and only use their smartphone’s camera to record you entering your pattern lock. If they were to use a digital SLR camera, they could even be as nine meters away regardless of the size of the phone’s display. Once they have the video footage, they use a computer vision algorithm to process your finger movements. Within seconds, the algorithm will then give the hacker some possible pattern lock combinations to try out. There is also no need to record your phone’s display since the algorithm can give possible combination by only focusing on your finger movements. Is it safer to use a more complex pattern? No, since the more complex they are, the easier they are to guess. This is true because they help the algorithm narrow down the possible combinations. Dr. Zhheng Wang, principle investigator and co-author of the paper said that people have a tendency to use more intricate patterns when trying to protect important financial information. If you don’t want to change your pattern lock method to a password or pin, try using a shorter one since they are not as easy to crack. The researchers also advise that users cover the display while entering their pattern lock, just like when you enter your pin at the ATM. Keeping your smartphone’s display clean is also a good idea because someone can guess your pattern by the smudges on the phone screen. Pattern Lock Alternatives If you're ready to leave your pattern lock behind, a pin, face recognition access or a fingerprint (if available) are also great options. Traditional passwords are also a great option but the longer they are, the better. Adding some special characters to your password will secure your information even more. When creating your password, never use personal and obvious information. For example, never use your kids or spouse’s birthday or your wedding anniversary. Conclusion Locking your Android device with a pattern lock is definitely more convenient, but it’s not the safest method to choose from. Passwords do take longer to enter but will do a better job of keeping your data safe. What security method do you use? Drop a comment and let us know. MakeTechEasier 15 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by mikeycharles(m): 9:12pm On Jul 11, 2017 |
Lovely writeup (if you actually wrote this) @ University of Bath, I wonder what they study there, hmmmm bathing 121. FYI physical security is the best, secure your phone very well by not being careless, its not everywhere you take your phone to. Peace 13 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by SleekMadam: 11:58pm On Jul 11, 2017 |
Reason why I love my cx, the fingerprint scanner keeps my phone secure 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by cyber5(m): 7:14am On Jul 12, 2017 |
SleekMadam: Fingerprint is a great security measure. To me that's the best 1 Like |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Ennyholar: 9:02am On Jul 12, 2017 |
The fingerprint on the Camon CX is 0.1 sec away from unlocking your device. Fast and convenient 2 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Darkseid(m): 11:48am On Jul 12, 2017 |
If there is one thing I hate on my phone, its passwords. The only reason I use the fingerprint scanner on my phone is that it is faster than using the power button. 12 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Lucascruiz(m): 2:25am On Jul 13, 2017 |
SleekMadam:tecno marketer spotted.dont you guys ever give up?? 36 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Wisdombankxz: 7:09am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Ok 1 Like |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Gobhanky: 7:12am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Our technology never reqch stage where hacker go get time and patience unto recordin pattern shiit wit cam. Naija hackers na fb dia power reach. Al copy and paste naija hackers wey nor geh money.abegi....shift. Until sarahki bank acct is hacked Local wire wannabez can suc a dic 12 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Decale: 7:13am On Jul 13, 2017 |
cyber5: Fingerprint is never the best, even iris scanner. Those are fancy features to woo the public A pin or password is the most secure 10 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by oubi: 7:15am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Op I thot u had smtin better to say.... # copy and paste In Nigeria we don't even have cameras for serious stuffs.. Let alone to copy sm1s pattern lock. Na person weh chop belefull de think of other things.. For now, farmine de Naija 6 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by GeneralOjukwu: 7:15am On Jul 13, 2017 |
mikeycharles: Of course he didn't write it himself. What resources does he have at his disposal to conduct such research? I appreciate the efforts in posting it up, but I doubt our criminals are sophisticated enough to film you and then analyze the thumb patterns using common algorithms. ... But our criminals are learning daily so Yes, this article would help us prepare for such. 6 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by omoadeleye(m): 7:17am On Jul 13, 2017 |
SleekMadam: Sheybe dem go drug you, and you go sleep ����then you are going to know that even in death your finger will still unlock your phone, So my advice don't always flaunt or keep much info on your phone, just delete them ASAP ���� 5 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Fantastic2m(m): 7:21am On Jul 13, 2017 |
I never considered pattern a security. Pin has been my goto. B4 fingerprint came in. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Cooladex(m): 7:22am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Okay. 1 Like
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Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Segadem(m): 7:25am On Jul 13, 2017 |
film my pattern lock with their phone camera from two metre away? |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Segadem(m): 7:27am On Jul 13, 2017 |
The question is; why do I need to pass through all this stress just because I want to secure my phone from third party? FYI I don't lock my phone cos I don't have skeleton in my cupboard 1 Like |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by donholy28(m): 7:28am On Jul 13, 2017 |
My pattern is so complex even if I do it in front of u ten times you still won't get it..finger print is the worst method of security..ur babe can just wait for u to sleep and use ur finger 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Lighthouseman: 7:28am On Jul 13, 2017 |
ok. my phone which was fingerprint and password lock was stolen. will the thief be able to use it since all the apps require my fingerprint to open..?is the phone useless to the thief? |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Nobody: 7:28am On Jul 13, 2017 |
[quote author=Lucascruiz post=58400262] tecno marketer spotted.dont you guys ever give up?? [lol, take it easy with her , bro] |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by eluquenson(m): 7:28am On Jul 13, 2017 |
you try, i make use of pin |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by dinocy(m): 7:29am On Jul 13, 2017 |
nice write up but even with password, if they want to hack it, they will. |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Nobody: 7:29am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Not in this Nigeria |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Olasco93: 7:30am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Well done OP. It's no more news that this part of the world pay less attention to security details ranging from ATM pin, Passwords and other security measures. The "I Don't Care" attitude of Nigerians is so alarmimg forgetting that they can't pay the expensive price for consequences. |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Handsomecole(m): 7:30am On Jul 13, 2017 |
I Lafferty it people that use I laugh at people that use pattern locks because it's very easy to unlock search phones |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Segadem(m): 7:32am On Jul 13, 2017 |
donholy28:hmmm, if your babe can't have access to your phone then u have a BIG issue |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Nobody: 7:35am On Jul 13, 2017 |
cyber5:I'm not sure that's the best, your finger print could be used to access your phone while asleep or unconscious. 3 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by JayEye(m): 7:37am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Blackberry solves this problem easily! i.e the number and picture background, even if I do it in your front, you will not get it 14 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by emmymdk: 7:41am On Jul 13, 2017 |
No Phone security lock is 100% safe and reliable |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by johnclark001(m): 7:43am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Fingerprint# |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by Maj196(m): 7:45am On Jul 13, 2017 |
Another danger with pattern lock is d touch screen of the phone might be faulty anytime. So to get d actual pattern na problem. 2 Likes |
Re: Why Pattern Locks Are Not Secure On Android And The Best Alternatives by XKZ(m): 7:47am On Jul 13, 2017 |
JayEye: Yep, the BlackBerry picture password is great. You can even ask someone to unlock your device for you and the person still won't know your password. 6 Likes |
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