Proactive forensic science in biometrics: Novel materials for fingerprint spoofing

Abstract

Motivated by the need to prepare for the next generation of fingerprint spoofing, we applied the “proactive forensic science” strategy to the biometric field. The working concept, already successful in a few fields, aimed at adopting the sophisticated criminals' way of thinking, predicting their next move so that the crime‐fighting authorities can be one step ahead of them and take preventive measures, against biometric spoofing in this instance. This strategy involved the design, production, and characterization of innovative polymeric materials that could possibly serve in advanced fingerprint spoofs. Special attention was given to materials capable of fooling fingerprint readers equipped with spoof‐detecting abilities, known as “Presentation Attack Detection” (PAD) systems and often referred to as liveness detection. A series of direct cast fake fingerprints was produced from known commercially available spoofing materials, and was functionally tested to compare their performance with that of spoofs produced from the new polymers. The novel materials thus prepared were hydrogels based on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) that were chain‐extended. They showed good performance in deceiving security systems, considerably better than that of spoofs produced from commercial materials, and are, therefore, good spoofing candidates that law‐enforcement authorities should be aware of.

Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions (2019 – 2022)

“…New types of spoofs are one of the major threats faced by latest generation, deep leaning based, presentation attack algorithms. Saguy et al [ 140 ] presented how pro-active forensic science allows to create innovative and performing materials mimicking the attributes of friction ridge skin. The novel materials prepared were hydrogels based on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) that were chain-extended.…”

Hydrogels: From Design to Applications in Forensic Investigations

“…The hydrophilicity and flexibility of these gels make them resilient materials for forensic applications. [63] The collection of fingerprints with the help of hydrogels makes them a promising tool in forensics for collecting evidence. These superabsorbents can collect DNA and amino acids from fingerprints and help in identification by creating a profile.…”

“…Polyethylene glycol‐based hydrogels were prepared for this purpose, which showed momentous results in deceiving the security system and acting as fingerprint spoofs. The hydrophilicity and flexibility of these gels make them resilient materials for forensic applications [63] . The collection of fingerprints with the help of hydrogels makes them a promising tool in forensics for collecting evidence.…”

LighterFace Model for Community Face Detection and Recognition

“…The first category involves what is commonly referred to as the sensory system. This system relies on sensors, such as fingerprint readers [1,2], ID card readers, or identification card readers, strategically deployed for identification purposes. However, this approach is susceptible to impersonation and spoofing, compromising the reliability of the identification process.…”