Here’s what UPEK says on its Web site about the Windows login: “Protector Suite QL allows for secure access to Windows by swiping your finger instead of typing a password.” Notice the “secure” part? Well, we found out UPEK makes Windows login anything but secure. A simple swipe of your finger, and you’re in. Logging into Windows by swiping a finger instead of clicking and typing a (probably long and complex) password sounds tempting. Ultimately, UPEK Protector Suite caches your passwords, offering near-instant login to Web sites and Windows itself. The suite manages fingerprint reading hardware, offering users the convenience of substituting the typing of passwords with a single swipe of a finger. Among other things manufacturers install on your brand-new laptop is software communicating with UPEK readers: UPEK Protector Suite. Laptops normally come loaded with pre-installed software. Even today, when UPEK is acquired by Authentec which now uses TrueSuite® software, many (or most) existing laptop users will simply stay with the old flawed software, not feeling the need to upgrade.ĭoes Fingerprinting the User Lead to Tighter Security?

Until very recently, most major manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, Gateway, Lenovo, MSI, NEC, Samsung, SONY, Toshiba, and many others were using fingerprint readers manufactured by a single company: UPEK.ĮlcomSoft discovered a major flaw with UPEK Protector Suite, which was the software shipped with the majority of laptops equipped with UPEK fingerprint readers until the company was acquired by Authentec and switched to different software. Most laptops today ship with a fingerprint reader.

Authentec truesuite windows 10