Users want fingerprint security in their cell phones

According to a consumer survey, a vast majority of cell phone users (89%) use the device for text messaging and transmitting photos and files. In spite of the privacy of these messages and files, only a small percentage (14%) use a password to protect the phone or its stored files and messages today. However, more than two-thirds (71%) would choose to protect the privacy of these messages and files through use of an embedded fingerprint sensor on the phone to authenticate the user via the simple swipe of a finger.

The independent survey of cell phone users (ages 18-25) was sponsored by AuthenTec and indicates that the vast majority (80%) would like to see widespread availability of fingerprint-enabled phones in the U.S. between now and next year, and nearly half (45%) would be willing to pay $10 or more for a phone if it was equipped with fingerprint security. Highlighting the desire and trust in fingerprint sensor security, more than two-thirds of respondents (69%) would feel more secure about conducting mobile financial transactions via their phone if it was equipped with a fingerprint sensor.

Only a small percentage of respondents (7%) were aware that millions of cell phones already feature a fingerprint sensor for added privacy and security, principally in Japan and Asia where the phone is used like a mobile wallet for quick and secure financial transactions.

Concerns about personal privacy, increased computer and network security breaches and an alarming rise in identify theft have caused consumers and businesses to consider convenient and reliable fingerprint biometric security. Passwords are difficult to deal with in a mobile device, are no longer adequate for security since they have become too complicated and too costly to reset.