Signal Vulnerability?

#1

Post by tessgadwa » Thu, Apr 08, 2021, 9:00 PM UTC

Re: Signal Vulnerability?

#2

Post by tessgadwa » Thu, Apr 08, 2021, 9:00 PM UTC

Biometrics such as fingerprint sensors are generally considered more secure than password protection, but they have a high potential for failure. Last Monday, I found that Signal on my Android phone had locked up. I was locked out and completely unable to access my messages or my contacts without reinstalling. The problem is, biometrics sensors can break or be disabled. Repair is much more difficult than resetting a password.

(See embedded YouTube video for further documentation.)

Re: Signal Vulnerability?

#3

Post by aritmo » Thu, Apr 08, 2021, 9:25 PM UTC

tessgadwa wrote: post #2

Biometrics such as fingerprint sensors are generally considered more secure than password protection, but they have a high potential for failure. Last Monday, I found that Signal on my Android phone had locked up. I was locked out and completely unable to access my messages or my contacts without reinstalling. The problem is, biometrics sensors can break or be disabled. Repair is much more difficult than resetting a…

The newest version of the Signal app (Android) has the option to also unlock with the unlock pattern.

The screenshot in the video shows the older version of Signal.

Re: Signal Vulnerability?

#4

Post by Craighead » Thu, Apr 08, 2021, 9:46 PM UTC

tessgadwa wrote: post #2

Biometrics such as fingerprint sensors are generally considered more secure than password protection, but they have a high potential for failure. Last Monday, I found that Signal on my Android phone had locked up. I was locked out and completely unable to access my messages or my contacts without reinstalling. The problem is, biometrics sensors can break or be disabled. Repair is much more difficult than resetting a…

Law enforcement can compel you to unlock with a fingerprint, not with a password.

Re: Signal Vulnerability?

#5

Post by fsflover » Thu, Apr 08, 2021, 9:52 PM UTC

tessgadwa wrote: post #2

Biometrics such as fingerprint sensors are generally considered more secure than password protection, but they have a high potential for failure. Last Monday, I found that Signal on my Android phone had locked up. I was locked out and completely unable to access my messages or my contacts without reinstalling. The problem is, biometrics sensors can break or be disabled. Repair is much more difficult than resetting a…

> Biometrics such as fingerprint sensors are generally considered more secure than password protection

Not necessarily: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/11/digital-security-tips-....