drummerben04
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Does the iPhone 5s scan thumb even when setting is turned off?

Call me paranoid but I will not get my thumb scanned anywhere. I don't really trust that they won't sell the information anywhere or at least to the NSA. Does anyone know how the button works, the code? Can anyone confirm that the button does not scan only when you choose that option. That is why I've been hesitant to upgrade from my iPhone 5. I guess I could always someone mod the phone to have a clickable button again. Thanks!

Posted on Aug 3, 2014 4:36 PM

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drummerben04

Q: Does the iPhone 5s scan thumb even when setting is turned off?

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  • by IdrisSeabright,

    IdrisSeabright IdrisSeabright Aug 3, 2014 8:13 PM in response to drummerben04
    Level 9 (59,757 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 3, 2014 8:13 PM in response to drummerben04

    I wonder what you expect anyone would do with your fingerprint if they got a hold of it.

     

    iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID

  • by FelipeV,

    FelipeV FelipeV Aug 4, 2014 5:24 AM in response to IdrisSeabright
    Level 5 (6,904 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 4, 2014 5:24 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

    Frame him for a crime he did not commit? The bad guys are everywhere....

  • by drummerben04,

    drummerben04 drummerben04 Aug 4, 2014 6:25 AM in response to FelipeV
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 6:25 AM in response to FelipeV

    right they are, now does anybody know?

  • by IdrisSeabright,

    IdrisSeabright IdrisSeabright Aug 4, 2014 6:37 AM in response to drummerben04
    Level 9 (59,757 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 4, 2014 6:37 AM in response to drummerben04

    drummerben04 wrote:

     

    right they are, now does anybody know?

    Did you read any of the information I took the trouble to link to?

  • by drummerben04,

    drummerben04 drummerben04 Aug 4, 2014 10:36 PM in response to IdrisSeabright
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 10:36 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

    Woah, didn't notice that. Readin it now.

  • by drummerben04,

    drummerben04 drummerben04 Aug 4, 2014 10:49 PM in response to IdrisSeabright
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 10:49 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

    Reading this makes me feel a little better. Still would probably put a piece of tape over the home button just in case. NSA won't have a chance!


    Secure Enclave


    "Touch ID doesn't store any images of your fingerprint. It stores only a mathematical representation of your fingerprint. It isn't possible for your actual fingerprint image to be reverse-engineered from this mathematical representation. iPhone 5s also includes a new advanced security architecture called the Secure Enclave within the A7 chip, which was developed to protect passcode and fingerprint data. Fingerprint data is encrypted and protected with a key available only to the Secure Enclave. Fingerprint data is used only by the Secure Enclave to verify that your fingerprint matches the enrolled fingerprint data. The Secure Enclave is walled off from the rest of A7 and the rest of iOS. Therefore, your fingerprint data is never accessed by iOS or other apps, never stored on Apple servers, and never backed up to iCloud or anywhere else. Only Touch ID uses it, and it can't be used to match against other fingerprint databases."

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Aug 4, 2014 10:52 PM in response to drummerben04
    Level 8 (44,014 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 4, 2014 10:52 PM in response to drummerben04

    If the NSA wants your fingerprints, they will get them one way or another. They will not get them from your iPhone. As the passage you quoted implies, fingerprint data (and not the actual fingerprint image) is stored within the processor and is not sent anywhere at all, not even to Apple.

  • by FelipeV,

    FelipeV FelipeV Aug 5, 2014 4:00 AM in response to drummerben04
    Level 5 (6,904 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 5, 2014 4:00 AM in response to drummerben04

    Time to put on your tin foil hat. If you are really concerned, sell that phone and buy another without the touch id button.

  • by FelipeV,

    FelipeV FelipeV Aug 5, 2014 4:05 AM in response to drummerben04
    Level 5 (6,904 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 5, 2014 4:05 AM in response to drummerben04

    drummerben04 wrote:

     

    Woah, didn't notice that. Readin it now.

    Which goes to show that unjustified paranoia is the enemy of logical reasoning. You just shoot from the hip and fail to see the facts that are right in from of you.

     

    Woah, is right...

  • by pogster,

    pogster pogster Aug 5, 2014 6:53 AM in response to FelipeV
    Level 4 (2,296 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 5, 2014 6:53 AM in response to FelipeV

    FelipeV wrote:

     

    Time to put on your tin foil hat. If you are really concerned, sell that phone and buy another without the touch id button.

    I would agree. Not trusting Apple's fingerprint reader but then coming here and asking advice from strangers on the internet seems counter productive.

  • by RichmondDan,

    RichmondDan RichmondDan Aug 5, 2014 2:15 PM in response to drummerben04
    Level 3 (522 points)
    Aug 5, 2014 2:15 PM in response to drummerben04

    Since the NSA can get your fingerprints from anything you touch, you'll probably feel safer putting pieces of tape on all of your fingertips.  Of course, then we'll all know who you are when we see you...

  • by IdrisSeabright,

    IdrisSeabright IdrisSeabright Aug 5, 2014 3:07 PM in response to drummerben04
    Level 9 (59,757 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 5, 2014 3:07 PM in response to drummerben04

    drummerben04 wrote:

     

    Call me paranoid but I will not get my thumb scanned anywhere.

    You should also avoid traveling abroad. Many countries now fingerprint you. You used to get thumbprinted when taking the MCATs. Jobs that require security background checks may require them.