Samsung Electronics admitted to a security flaw in the fingerprint recognition technology of its Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series, saying it would be distributing a software update next week.
“This issue involved ultrasonic fingerprint sensors unlocking devices after recognizing 3-dimensional patterns appearing on certain silicone screen protecting cases as users’ fingerprints,” said Samsung via its online newsroom platform. “To prevent any further issues, we advise that Galaxy Note10/10+ and S10/S10+/S10 5G users who use such covers to remove the cover, delete all previous fingerprints and newly register their fingerprints.”
The tech giant also said a software update is planned to be released as early as next week. “Once updated, please be sure to scan your fingerprint in its entirety, so that the all portions of your fingerprint, including the center and corners have been fully scanned.”
The statement from Samsung came after several overseas media outlets including UK-based The Sun reported that the silicone case-covered Galaxy S10 can be easily unlocked with the fingerprints of third parties.
The models affected by the defect all use Fingerprint on Display (FoD) recognition sensors. Some in the industry are saying that the Galaxy Tab S6, which was also applied with the FoD sensors, also can be unlocked when covered with a silicone case.
The Elec is South Korea’s No.1 tech news platform.