Android Device With Fingerprint Reader Often Locked

Android devices that have a fingerprint reader are more locked than devices that do not offer this option. This was reported in the published today Google Android Security annual report ( pdf ). The use of screen lock helps according to Google both privacy and security.

However, research shows that many users set a screen lock because they find it difficult. With the launch of Android 5.0, users can, however, choose the "Smart Lock" option, in which a device remains unlocked until it is held by the user. This can be determined on the basis of various items such as Bluetooth, on-body detection 'and a trusted location. This reduces the number of times a user must manually unlock his device.

Since Android 6.0 fingerprint readers are supported, however, and this has a positive effect on the use of screen lock. Users can now unlock your phone using just their fingerprint. From Google figures show that the use of screen lock is more common on devices with a fingerprint reader. Is set at 55.8% of the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 devices screen lock. With Nexus and Nexus 5X- 6P devices, which have a fingerprint reader, this is 91.5%. With other Android devices that have screen lock is being used on a fingerprint reader.

Android User Chooses Predictable Lock Pattern

Android users who have secured their device with a screen lock often opt for predictable patterns, according to a survey of 3400 users by researcher Marte Loge. In early August she presented her research at the bsides 2015 conference in Las Vegas (video).

The examination of Loge shows that the most commonly used pattern consists of four dots. The average number of spots was five, so that there are fewer than 9,000 combinations. It also appears that people usually start at the top left. 77% of the dot patterns begins in one of the four corners and the patterns usually run from left to right and from top to bottom. It also appears that people often choose patterns in the form of a letter, such as their initials.

According Loge people choose dot patterns in the same way as passwords, which complex patterns are difficult to remember, like complex passwords. And like a weak password is easy to guess a weak lock pattern. "Full disk encryption will not save you if your pattern of the L loser is", warns the researcher.