Smartphone sensors reveal security secrets

Data captured by smartphone sensors could help criminals guess codes used to lock the gadgets, say security researchers.

By analysing data gathered by accelerometers they were able to get a good idea of the Pin or pattern used to protect a phone.

The data was useable because sensors can gather information with more freedom than apps loaded on the device.

Researchers said several different smartphone sensors could be subverted.

The pin and pattern spotting system did less well when it was applied to data gathered when users were walking around with gadgets. Using a phone while on the move introduced lots more "noise", said Dr Aviv which made it harder to pick out the unlock patterns.

Other researchers had looked into ways to subvert data gathered by gyroscopes, accelerometers and other orientation sensors to work out passwords, said Dr Aviv. One group even analysed smears on touchscreens to get clues about Pins and patterns.