EyeVerify Checks ‘Eyeprints’ To Unlock Your Smartphone

Security is something that many an average person is concerned about. From online passwords to ATM PINs to smartphone lock codes – we employ all sorts of security measures to ensure that unauthorized access does not happen. Of course, there are ways and means by which other people can get past those measures, especially if they are really intent on doing so. Still, with technology evolving continuously, we can only take advantage of protocols that enhance security.

And when it comes to smartphones, we might soon be able to do away with lock codes. That is, if EyeVerify has anything to do with.

Eyeprints instead of alphanumeric characters

Spearheaded by Toby Rush, EyeVerify makes use of “eyeprints” in order to determine whether the person trying to unlock or use a smartphone is authorized. Apparently, we have unique sets of eyeprints, which are patterns found in the white parts of our eyes. Those patterns are made the veins and can be used to identify people.

Just like scanning the iris, this method is supposed to be more secure. Indeed, short of having your eyeballs plucked out by someone who wants to use your smartphone, there is no way to copy your eyeprints.

Why eyeprints and not an iris scanner?

This is exactly what I thought when I first read the concept of eyeprints. The advantage of EyeVerify’s concept is that no special hardware is required to scan eyeprints – as opposed to the iris. The camera found in many smartphones will do the job.

The catch – for now

The idea is brilliant, especially for people like me who tend to forget passwords and PINs. However, the technology is rather new and the front cameras of many smartphones are not good enough to get a high quality scan of the eyeprints. As such, one has to turn the phone around and use the back camera in order to unlock it. A little unwieldy if you ask me.

Additionally, you will have to move your eyes to the left and to the right in order for the software to work. That’s because the eyeprints are found on the white part. Not too much of an issue, if you don’t mind looking a little silly every time you want to use your phone.

[Images via EyeVerify & webdesignlists]