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  1. Nov 2015
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    1. jgibson 29 Nov 2015
      spoof the gait-recognition software

      Spoofing is defined as using the “characteristics of a legitimate enrollee to fool a biometric system,” and can be accomplished in a myriad of ways (Li 134). Spoofing can be viewed as a form of countersurveillance, as it is a direct rebellion against what can be considered oppressive authority figures; such is Marcus’ case, as he’s fooling gait recognition software as a means to circumvent the security system. One example of spoofing that we briefly talked about in class is the URME mask:

      Person wearing URME prosthetic

      The mask, created by Leo Selvaggio allows wearers to trick facial recognition software by hiding their true identity; the systems, instead, register Selvaggio’s face. A form of countersurveillance, I found this product particularly interesting; as you can see in the photo, wearing the prosthetic version of the mask renders the wearer virtually unrecognizable from the chin up. That said, it could pose an issue if wearers decide to commit crimes; law enforcement now has no way of establishing the perpetrator’s true identity. I think this is something to think about going forward as well as what the increased popularity of these types of items can mean for criminal activity.

      However, spoofing also represents an important threat to the security and identities of individuals. For each of the common biometric systems, there currently exists a way to trick the system and gain entry. For example, fingerprint scans can be fooled by gummy fingerprints, voice recognition software can be tricked by recordings, and iris or facial scans can be tricked by using a detailed print out. The risk of compromise with biometric identification is greater, as we leave traces of our fingerprints and our DNA everywhere we go; similarly, our faces and voices are not protected and can be photographed and recorded with ease, especially in our digital society. Allison Burtch, the artist who visited our class made light of how easy it is to “transform” yourself into another person in a video we watched in class. Here's a link in case you want to see it again.

      In my opinion, hacking via biometric spoofing should be perceived as worse; the other person now has your physical features, which represent your unique identity. This kind of hacking is much more personal than losing a password; that said, the results are equally as devastating.

      I’m interested in whether or not you all think the benefits associated with biometric technology outweigh the risks and still justify their use for security.

      Note: There’s an episode of CSI: Cyber where criminals are wearing a URME-esque mask while committing crimes. The episode is called “Selfie 2.0,” and you should check it out over break if you have a chance.

      Sources

    2. jgibson 28 Nov 2015
      "Am I under arrest?" "You're going to be more cooperative, Marcus, starting right now." She didn't say, "or else," but it was implied. "I would like to contact an attorney," I said. "I would like to know what I've been charged with. I would like to see some form of identification from both of you." The two agents exchanged looks. "I think you should really reconsider your approach to this situation," Severe Haircut woman said. "I think you should do that right now. We found a number of suspicious devices on your person. We found you and your confederates near

      Habeas Corpus Suspension

      First, you may be wondering what habeas corpus is. Habeas corpus is defined as a legal action detainees can take to argue against unlawful/illegal imprisonment (“Habeas”). Contrary to popular belief, habeas corpus doesn't actually prevent an arrested individual from being charged with resisting arrest, regardless of the legality of the arrest. That said, Marcus' arrest and consequent detainment is conducted with shaky justification at best, justified by his proximity to the attack; however, due to these charges he is classified as an enemy combatant, a group of individuals whose legal rights are constantly a source of debate. Technically, the Patriot Act authorizes the suspension of habeas corpus for potential affiliates of terrorist organizations or other enemies of the United States. However, following the Supreme Court case Rasul vs. Bush, it was concluded that US courts have the jurisdiction to consider legal appeals on behalf of foreigners detained by the US military, specifically those at Guantanamo Bay (“Rasul”). This ruling established the precedent that one’s ability to claim habeas corpus was not reliant on citizenship, and gifted to those arrested the ability “to challenge their treatment and detention” (Elsea). Following that ruling, there were several advances made to improve habeas review for these detainees; however, under the Obama Administration, the standard has come to mirror those initially held under the Bush administration (Elsea).

      “Honest people don’t have anything to hide.”This statement by Severe Haircut pairs really well with this political cartoon, in my opinion:

      Obama Indefinite Detention Bill Source: http://www.cagle.com/tag/habeas-corpus/

      Said cartoon is commentary on the Indefinite Detention Bill, amongst whose provisions include those that make it increasingly difficult to transfer detainees out of military custody. However, what also proves controversial about the bill is the fact that it authorizes the US government to detain anyone, including US citizens, who are believed to be in collusion with terrorist organizations (“Explaining”). With the Patriot Act, this was not a concern for the majority of people in the US, as we believed the only ones at risk were those who weren’t citizens; we are protected by the Constitution, or so we thought. Ultimately, the fact that Obama signed this bill means that all of us now face the potential of being in Marcus’ situation. All it takes is for us to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

      I’m really curious about what other people think about this issue or if you have any other information about the repercussions (if any) of the bill’s signing.

      Sources:

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