Despite hacking potential, researcher praises iPhone's Touch ID

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Despite its susceptibility to being hacked, people praise the fingerprint identification system on the iPhone 5S released recently by U.S. tech giant Apple.

Mark Rogers, a researcher at Lookout Security of San Francisco who hacked the Touch ID, still called Touch ID "awesome," PC World reported Tuesday.

Rogers said hacking Touch ID isn't easy, but can be done.

The task of creating a fake fingerprint "relies upon a combination of skills, existing academic research and the patience of a crime scene technician," he said. "It is a lengthy process that takes several hours and uses over $1,000 worth of equipment including a high resolution camera and laser printer."

To actually unlock an iPhone, Rogers said he had to stick the fake fingerprint to a damp finger.

Rogers says the smartphone's Touch ID still is awesome because it is the essence of convenience when trying to protect the device. Pressing the Home button is something users already do, so adding fingerprint authentication to the process doesn't require any extra actions, he explained.

Rogers told PC World he'd like to see a two-point authentication system, such as Touch ID plus a passcode.