Smartphone Sensors: Security Secrets

According to security researchers, Data captured by smart phone sensors could help criminals deduction codes used to lock the gadgets. The data was useable because sensors can gather information with more freedom than apps loaded on the machine. By analyzing data gathered by accelerometers they were able to get a fine idea of the Pin used to protect a phone.

In forbidden tests, data from accelerometers was captured, exported and analysed to see if it matched a bigger dictionary of taps and swipes that had been previously gathered. After five guesses it could spot Pins about 43% of the time and patterns about 73% of the instance. However, these results were produced when Pins and patterns were picked from a 50-strong set of figures and shapes. One group yet analysed smears on touch screens to get clues about Pins and patterns.