Fingerprint

Updated: 02/01/2021 by Computer Hope

A fingerprint may refer to any of the following:

1. With computers and security, a fingerprint or digital fingerprint refers to any trace of information someone leaves. Often, if someone has gained unauthorized access to a computer or network, an administrator or security agent may look for any digital "fingerprints" left by the attacker. This identifying evidence may include IP address, hostname, MAC address, etc.

Verifi fingerprint reader

2. With computer hardware, a fingerprint scanner or fingerprint reader is a hardware device that verifies a user or enters password information by scanning their finger.

The picture shows a fingerprint scanner by Verifi. Computers that do not already include a fingerprint scanner can connect devices such as these to their computer USB (universal serial bus) ports and unlock their computer using their finger.

Biometrics, Hand, Input device, Platen, Security terms, Vein recognition