I honestly think you don't understand the risks of man-in-the-middle attacks on this security/authentication subsystem. Connecting the Touch ID sensor to the device validating the print with USB/TB/wireless is, honestly, a stupid idea. I can think of about 8 different ways that would be instantly undermining the integrity of this validation mechanism. Making the location of the Touch ID sensor "more convenient" is throwing out the baby with the bath water.
I accually do.
Please explain to me how a man in the middle attack on the example i gave, where all the handling of the fingerprint where done on a chip inside the keyboard (just like on the iphone). Would be any more unsafe then a man in the middle attack of some one just taking your password from a man in the middle attack?
The "it" that Apple would be doing is putting Touch ID authentication on all of their computers -- and having integrated support in the OS and Safari to manage logins to websites (for starters).
So first you telling me that there are sooo many ways to exploit a keyboard with a fingerprint scanner. And 1 sec later you are seriously saying that OS and Safari should get access to fingerprint scanning.
Really?
The only way to do that in any safe way at all, is to treat it with a special chip (or integrated in the cpu) just like on the iPhone.
And since you need that anyway it would be much more convenient to have it on your keyboard.
Further, the "it" Apple would provide is the same service on all of their new computers -- including Haswell MBP laptops. All stationary Macs, and all mobile Macs. And all iPhones, iPads, and iPods running iOS. A seamless experience running across a gamut of computation devices. Nobody has ever provided the comprehensive quality of hardware and software that Apple can provide for that service.
I am totally with you on the "iUnits" and the laptops Apple provide.
But to include it on the stationary computers is just bonkers and just wont happen. Its a STUPID idea really.
Using a fingerprint scanner is all about conveniency and security. And no one will use it if the scanner is out of arms length. Its much more easy to type in your password.
And that's EXACTLY the reason there have not been any kind of stationary computer that have had a fingerprint scanner (outside of maybe some high security firms)
In case you haven't noticed, Apple gets ridiculed for most everything they do or don't do. Here's a video of someone ridiculing Apple back in 2007:
YouTube:
video
Ballmer's ridicule of Apple didn't work out too well -- he will be departing Microsoft within the next 12 months.
Yeah cos this is the same situation....
Why do you think the deployment of the fingerprint scanners on an isolated laptop would be remotely to AAPL's ecosystem-wide deployment of fingerprint-scanning dedicated hardware, OSs, and multi-platform apps? The two don't sound remotely comparable.
Did not say that. I said its totally stupid to have them on the chassis of the non movable computers Apple provides
And AAPL provided no means for third-party developers to make apps when the iPhone was first released in 2007. Why do you presume the Touch ID pad would only be used for unlocking Mac computers?
Validation for purchases on e-commerce sites and apps is an obvious use for both iOS and Mac Touch ID device.
Yeah if you had quoted the next line also you would have understood that statement.
But since you didn't let med do it:
"And Apple have made only Apple store and unlocking of the phone available when using then fingerprint reader.
And phones have vastly different ways then computers of getting used.
Your phone you pick up from you pocket many times a day. And that way its very convenient to have a scanner so you don't have to use a pass key.
But a computer. You normally sit by for longer periods. You don't need to unlock them as often as you have to with phones.
How ever if Apple made key-chain accessible by a fingerprint reader. It would be very nice for a computer.
But i would be EXTREMELY SURPRISED if they put one ON the Mac Pro it self."
I have no doubt that Apple will include fingerscanning on more products. And include it more in their eco system. I expect it will be the next big thing.
But i don't see in ANYWAY that Apple would choose to implement them on their stationary lines chassis.
There are better ways to implement it then that.
Your suggestion would be as smart as a car maker putting a fingerprint reader to start the car in the back seat of the car. How many do you think would use that scanner instead of just using their key?
