What real incentive is there for a person to get a microchip?

[MacAlwin]

I am successfully using the NXTPAY implant (registered in Germany). It works like a charm all over the world. Whenever I pay with it, a conversation will start…

[JennyMcLane]

My nxtpay stopped working in January. I can read the chip. It says always “insert card” will be also difficult with the wearable microcard version.

I have an other payment implant from @amal

My collegue at the supermarket “payment with hand, correct”

In other stores, people are also surprised

I have many other implants for the door, phone, 2FA,…and many blinkies

[caj380]

What real incentive is there for a person to get a microchip?

There are a lot of good reasons to get an implant, but if we are being honest, some of them would also work just as well with a fingerprint.

The biggest driving factor for me is the cool factor. If you are a geek or someone who likes to experiment, the idea of a electronic element in your body is super cool. Especially since you can store data, preform cryptographic operations, or even pay. The limit to what you can do with it is only what you can imagine and build.

Now please don’t take my answer as the only answer, there are lots of good uses, but I think a part of it is the hacker mindset. The ability to pave your own path without waiting on companies, tech trends, or evolution to do it for you.

[Pilgrimsmaster]

@caj380

if we are being honest, some of them would also work just as well with a fingerprint

Not ReALlyyy

I know what you mean, I also understand the confusion and this is a much bigger discussion, but in a nutshell.

You cant change your biometrics, but you can change your key.

That sounds like it supports your point, but it really doesn’t.

Sure, Biometrics are good for identification, but not authentication.
They may identify you as you, but also they could identify “you” as you.

Once your biometrics are out in the public domain (or private), you’ve lost them.
They will continue to identify “you”, but how can anybody be certian it is truly you!?

People used the Amazon Palm payment, They can wave goodbye to that biometric

I’ll stick with my Apex Flex and Flex Secure thank you.

Thread link incoming…

[Pilgrimsmaster]

@Pilgrimsmaster

Thread link incoming…

Biometric access control systems

Hello! What do you think of biometric access control systems? I know that these systems are used in enterprises and they are quite secure. I’m wondering if such methods are used for access to private homes. And is it safe? I would be grateful for your thoughts on this!

[caj380]

I think you are misunderstanding the meaning behind my post. I did not mean this as a dig against implants or anything negative. The fingerprint part was just an anecdote. I have 4 implants and I love them. I was just adding that for some people, the hacking spirit is part of the implant scene.

[Pilgrimsmaster]

@caj380

I did not mean this as a dig against implants or anything negative

I didn’t think you were, I was just wanting to point out, its an easy argument that is often used “against” implants.
But its more accurate to suggest, if talking about security vs convenience.
Both are as convenient as each other, but implants are more secure.

@caj380

I was just adding that for some people, the hacking spirit is part of the implant scene

Totally agree

[caj380]

@Pilgrimsmaster

Both are as convenient as each other, but implants are more secure.

Oh, absolutely. When I wrote that I was thinking more of DIY projects and locks than payment systems. Like for someone who just wants to unlock their front door or trigger an Arduino project.

[amal]

This relates directly to my “scope” talking points in interviews… simple RFID transponders are “secure enough” for “personal scope” applications… my door, my car, my computer… fingerprints / biometrics could also be considered “secure enough” for personal scope applications, however a lot of those personal scope applications like “my phone” or “my computer” are tied to the cloud in some what such that your biometrics leave the device or the sensor could easily be recruited by malicious code to steal your biometrics. Real personal scope projects like a thing you built yourself is immune to this, but a lot of “personal scope” applications people use biometrics with are not custom builds.

Overall I find biometrics to be such a devious lie - the promise of security, but in reality it’s almost always an identity product in the service of a 3rd party, not you.

VivoKey was created to address the “broader scope” applications out there… fido, bitcoin, etc. and this is where I actively avoid biometrics whenever possible.

[caj380]

@amal

Overall I find biometrics to be such a devious lie - the promise of security, but in reality it’s almost always an identity product in the service of a 3rd party, not you.

Well said. When someone asks the difference between my implants and I try to explain that the Apex is like “a Security Key like a Yubikey” and the amount of “wtf is a Yubikey” looks I get from my non-techie (and my techie) friends is worrying.

Everyone is content with their Cheeto lock until someone breaks in and takes everything.