Kensington USB fingerprint reader for Windows Hello and FIDO/FIDO2 2FA

[PHolder]

Kensington Announces a Windows Hello Fingerprint Reader - Thurrott.com

Kensington today announced its VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key, which provides Windows Hello fingerprint recognition to Windows 10-based PCs.

www.thurrott.com

I've ordered one (I have to import it via Amazon) to see how well it works. I have a Windows Hello camera from Intel (made by Creative) and it works well enough, but it doesn't do any FIDO. I am wondering if the Kengsinton device actually does FIDO or if it just integrates with support built in to Windows. More info to come after I get it (they claim delivery on Easter Sunday, I have my doubts that they'll pay the premium for delivery drivers to work on a public holiday.)

 

[PHolder]

After a weird experience where my Amazon [import] parcel went to the post office instead of to my door, and where I had to provide proof of being age 19+ for some strange reason, I finally have my device.

Initial impressions are that it is very straightforward to install in Windows 10. Just plug it in... Windows will retrieve the drivers and install it with zero fuss. You do then need to configure it in the appropriate Windows Settings page. (Search for "Hello" in settings is the easiest way there.)

When you configure it Windows will require you to establish a PIN if you do not have one. I've always found this annoying, but whatever. You will train the device by pressing it with your finger multiple times in at least two "angles." Thereafter, your lock screen will say to touch the device to unlock the screen.

I haven't yet gone into trying it as a second factor on a web page, but since it appears to have a "lock icon LED" I think it should be possible to work similar to a Yubikey where it would flash when it is expecting you to authorize something.

It's very tiny, and the USB cable is pretty short and not removable (which kind of sucks to be honest.) It's a USB-A connctor on the end, which would mean dongletown for certain Mac users. (Assuming it also works with a Mac, which I don't actually know.) It really should have a USB-C connector on the back so you could replace the cable if you wanted. Like any modern device, there is no included manual, even though there is warranty documentation that warns you to read the manual before using it. You don't really need the manual though, and there are PDF's on the support site with instructions on how to configure usage with specific sites/apps.

I'll add more here later if I have anything new to add after I try using it for 2nd factor authentication.

 

[danlock]

Sit, FIDO, sit!
Good dog!
*woof!*

Does the fingerprint reader work with any finger other than the one(s) you trained it with? Does it detect a pulse in the fingertip/whatever you used as a way of determining whether it's a real finger/toe/etc.? (Sit, Ubu, Sit!)

 

[PHolder]

whether it's a real finger

Well, their marketing isn't very helpful in talking about what they do... Question 13 from their FAQ says "anti-spoof" without them saying how.

13. What technology is used to secure my biometric information?

1. Synaptics Technology (SentryPoint ® end-to-end security)
2. SentryPoint ®: A suite of security features for the Synaptics fingerprint sensor solution.
3. SecureLink ™: Enables a strong TLS 1.2 (communication channel encryption)/AES-256 (data encryption) from the sensor to the host.
4. PurePrint®: Anti-spoof technology. Detects real fingers from fake fingers.
5. Match-in-Sensor ™: Technology whereby the fingerprint template is securely matched on the fingerprint sensor silicon itself. This limits the data transfer to the host as a simple “yes/no” communication. Even then, the match result is encrypted.
6. Quantum Matcher ™: The chip features a 192 MHz processor, a hardware accelerated matcher.

 

[danlock]

• PurePrint®: Anti-spoof technology. Detects real fingers from fake fingers.

I don't know how much detail goes into registered trademark applications, but searching for PurePrint might yield more details... hmm...

 

[Brixhamite]

A good fact about fingerprint readers in Fido keys is the data is kept in the device itself (your fingerprint is not sent beyond the device).

On of the potential issues with biometrics is, unlike passwords, you can't easily change things like your fingerprints (so if the fingerprint itself was stored externally, and that escaped in some way, your only option would be to remove/replace the biometric factor).