Search code examples
androidfingerprintandroid-fingerprint-api

Android - Where and how securely is fingerprint information stored in a device

I have been reading quite a bit about fingerprint sensors and their growing presence in smart phones. I understand that at the basic level, there is a digital image that gets registered and it serves as a template for authentication. I understand that fingerprint related processing takes place in a Trusted Execution Environment. However, I would like to know where the "template" gets saved and in what format?

Solution

  • Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)

    Google has made a noteworthy step in the right direction by moving all print data manipulation to the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and providing strict guidelines for fingerprint data storage that manufacturers must follow.

    • All fingerprint data manipulation is performed within TEE

    • All fingerprint data must be secured within sensor hardware or trusted memory so that images of your fingerprint are inaccessible

    • Fingerprint data can be stored on the file system only in encrypted form,
      regardless of whether the file system itself is encrypted or not

    • Removal of the user must result in removal of the user's existing fingerprint data

    • Root access must not compromise fingerprint data

    enter image description here

    Data Source infinum.co