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Depth Maps Keep Windows Hello Secure
29 Apr
Summary
- Windows Hello uses infrared cameras and emitters for facial depth mapping.
- It analyzes facial landmark points, not storing face images online.
- Depth mapping prevents flat photos from unlocking your device.
Windows Hello employs advanced technology for secure facial recognition, going beyond simple webcam image capture. Its security relies on a sophisticated setup involving near-infrared (IR) cameras and an IR emitter. This hardware combination allows the system to generate a precise depth map of a user's face.
This depth mapping capability is crucial for security, as it verifies the three-dimensional structure of the face. Consequently, a mere photograph cannot fool the system, making it significantly more robust than older facial recognition methods. The system focuses on key facial landmark points, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, to create a unique biometric profile.
Crucially, the biometric data captured by Windows Hello is stored exclusively on the user's local device. This means no facial data is transmitted or stored online, reinforcing user privacy and security. This local storage is why re-setup is required on new PCs, ensuring data remains under the user's control.
