Just a few days ago the new Google Pixel 4. There is no longer a fingerprint recognition system, and instead has facial recognition. The Mountain View firm has taken the same path as Apple since the iPhone X, but with a serious problem of security that allows to unblock them with the closed eyes. That implies that if we are asleep they can unlock our mobile. Fortunately, the solution is on the way.
The first analyzes of the Google Pixel 4 quickly revealed the problem. The facial recognition system is accurate, yes, but at the hardware level. Because in terms of software, the device is factory set to allow unlocking with closed eyes. This is something that in Apple iPhones can be chosen from day one, and they are configured by default to prevent unlocking of the terminal if you do not look at the screen with your eyes open. Regarding this, just a few days later Google has already ruled acknowledging the security and privacy risk involved, and announcing an update.
Update for the face unlock of the Google Pixel 4
From Google they have reminded the first owners of a Google Pixel 4 that is currently available a function Security that allows activating the unlocking with PIN, pattern or password as an additional security measure. So for the moment, we have this solution at our fingertips. However, recognizing the current problem in the device software, they have clarified that there is a update on the way which will prevent the device from being accessed in this way.
Facial unlocking is not only used to access the terminal, but also as a security method in applications of all kinds, including banking. And not having the fingerprint sensor as an alternative, it was obviously crucial that Google address this issue.
A spokesperson for the Mountain View company has pointed to 'the next few months' the device security update that will effectively allow users to adjust facial unlocking. With this update we will be able to decide if the terminal can be unlocked with the eyes closed, or if it is an essential requirement that the eyes are open and, of course, that the gaze is directed towards the computer screen. That is to say, again, exactly the same as in the Apple iPhones from the iPhone X with the first generation of Face ID.