Pixel 4: Unlocks literally with eyes closed

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are not yet available and a serious security flaw has already been discovered in the way the fast Face Unlock.

Η  Google admits that there is no bug in the mode of operation, but this does not mean that Face Unlock is safe.

In accordance with with the BBC, Google's new Pixel smartphones can be unlocked with your face, even if your eyes are closed. This means that there is a chance that someone will unlock the Pixel 4, while the owner is asleep or worse.

Here is the proof from BBC tech journalist Chris Fox.

Proof, for those asking #madebygoogle #pixel4 pic.twitter.com/mBDJphVpfB

- Chris Fox (@thisisFoxx) October 15, 2019

Google has confirmed that Face Unlock works when the eyes are closed, explaining: "The Pixel 4 Face Unlock complies with security requirements as strong as biometric."

Is it really such a powerful biometric security solution? One can indeed agree by saying that in order to gain access to a mobile phone one must do so while the owner is asleep, something that is unlikely to happen unless it is a relative. However, there are those who think of more complex scenarios, such as the thief leaving the owner unconscious, taking the Pixel 4 and unlocking it with his face.

Unlocking with closed eyes counts as a downside to the Pixel 4 when compared to the iPhone 11, as Apple requires the eyes to be open for Face ID to work.

H Google support page clearly claims that the Pixel 4 can, "be unlocked by someone else if held in your face, even if your eyes are closed." The solution, if you are concerned about this, is to turn off the face recognition of the device. But surely, the best possible solution is not to use Face Unlock if someone has their eyes closed.

It's not just Google that is in the spotlight due to a security flaw, as Samsung also has issues with the Galaxy S10 fingerprint detector, which may fooled with a cheap screen protector.

Source