Should you use fingerprint or PIN to lock the phone?

When installing the phone for the first time, you can choose to unlock it using fingerprint or PIN. Fingerprint is unique and hackers cannot guess what your finger looks like, but does it make fingerprints more secure than PINs?

Compare these two types of security and see which option is best for you.

When should I use phone lock with fingerprint?

Fingerprint scanner is very popular on mobile phones in the present era. They provide a sense of security and convenience for users, but not perfect.

Benefits of fingerprint phone lock

The most significant benefit of fingerprint scanners is that they are not peeked at by others. Someone can quickly look at your phone when you enter your PIN and know the code, but they can't do the same thing with fingerprints. Thus, fingerprint phone lock is the best choice against prying eyes.

This is also one of the fastest authentication methods. If you often have to unlock and lock your phone, entering a PIN code can be a little annoying. Using a fingerprint scanner is an easier and faster option.

Fingerprints are also great for people with poor memory. It is uncomfortable to forget your PIN. Using fingerprints helps to lock and unlock the phone for less time.

Restrictions of fingerprint lock

It's easy to believe that your fingerprints are unique and won't be unlocked by anyone. However, some researchers and hackers have figured out how to beat fingerprint sensors.

Back in 2013, Chaos Computer Club in Germany took a high-resolution photo of fingerprints on glass and used it to create a latex copy that could fool the sensor.

When should I lock my phone with a PIN?

PIN codes are not as advanced as fingerprint scanners, but they are available on all smartphones. They have endured many challenges over time and maintained their position in the field of smartphone security.

Benefits of PIN codes

The benefit of PIN depends on the phone. For example, the iPhone in the center of the FBI is enabled with the security feature to erase the contents of the phone after 10 attempts on incorrect PIN codes.

If you have the same feature on the phone, no one can unlock your phone without knowing the PIN, unless they can hack it the other way.

Also, unlike fingerprints, PIN codes may change. If someone creates a model to replicate your fingerprint, then you can't do anything more to protect yourself. And after the PIN has been compromised, you can set a new code and forget the old one.

Restrictions of PIN codes

Without additional security features, unlocking a PIN is only a matter of time. It may take a very long time, but with countless guesses, any person or computer will eventually unlock it.

There are only so many different 4 or 6 PIN codes you can create. Pattern lock is stronger than PIN in this respect, but unfortunately, research shows that pattern lock is not secure.

Even with protection against brute-force attacks, someone can still unlock the PIN if it is determined to do so. There is a trick on the iPhone to turn it off after entering an incorrect PIN code, then the wrong number entry PIN will not work. This attack took advantage of an old error and will no longer work, but it shows that no system is perfect.

However, the problem is that someone can guess your PIN, and the fingerprint is not. If a thief steals a phone without a PIN, they will eventually unlock it. However, things won't be that simple if it's locked with fingerprints.

The best unlocking method for smartphones

For the vast majority of people, fingerprints will be a safer way. Even if the feature to delete data after 10 tries is turned on, anyone can guess your PIN.

If there is no data deletion feature after 10 wrong entries, the PIN code can also be brute-force attacked and will eventually be broken. Meanwhile, the brute-force attack method cannot crack fingerprints.

Even if you decide to use a PIN, it's difficult for you to be attacked. PIN code breaking can take a long time, difficult and expensive, and many hackers may not mind unless you are a special person. Thus, although fingerprints are safer, there is nothing wrong with using a PIN.

Fingerprints and PIN codes all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Although fingerprints are a safer method for phones, that doesn't mean that PINs are less secure. Both are solid choices, and based on what you want from your phone to decide which method is best for you.

If you use iPhone and decide to use fingerprints, here are some applications that you can lock with Touch ID and Face ID.

Wish you find the right choice!