An Analysis of Altered Fingerprint Detection, Recognition and Verification

The common positioning of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) in law enforcement and border control submissions has sensitive the need for safeguarding that these systems are not compromised. Whereas numerous problems associated to fingerprint system safekeeping have been considered, including the use of phony fingerprints for masquerading personality, the problem of fingerprint alteration or obfuscation has received very little attention. Fingerprint obfuscation refers to the measured alteration of the fingerprint pattern by an individual for the purpose of screening his identity. Several cases of fingerprint obfuscation have been reported in the press. Fingerprint image quality assessment software (e.g., NFIQ) cannot always identify altered fingerprints since the implicit image quality due to alteration may not change significantly.