Fraunhofer IGD Working to Detect and Prevent Face-Morphing Attacks at it-sa Expo&Congress 2024
Darmstadt, Germany – September 23, 2024 – Fraunhofer IGD, a leading institute in visual computing, is dedicated to developing reliable methods to detect and prevent face-morphing attacks. This growing threat to biometric security systems has caught the attention of researchers at Fraunhofer IGD, who will be presenting their latest research findings at the it-sa Expo&Congress in Nuremberg from October 22 to 24.
The technique of face morphing involves merging the features of two or more faces into a single image using advanced algorithms. While this may seem like a harmless and entertaining activity, it has become a serious concern for biometric security systems. Criminals are now using face morphing to create alternative identities, allowing them to travel undetected to other countries. Florian Kirchbuchner, a biometrics expert at Fraunhofer IGD, explains, “What sounds like simple photoshopping is increasingly becoming a threat.”
The potential for fraud is high as criminals can use face morphing to create fake passport photos and pass through border controls without being detected. This is due to the fact that biometric systems are often trained to accept certain changes in the face of the person in the photo. Kirchbuchner adds, “Morphed photos often go undetected because biometric systems are trained to accept certain changes in the face of the person in the photo.”
In an effort to combat this growing threat, researchers at Fraunhofer IGD are developing advanced face-morphing detection methods through the ATHENE project. “Our goal is to create a generalized face-morphing detection system that makes us faster than the criminals,” says Kirchbuchner. The research team is using deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies, specifically generative adversarial networks, to anticipate potential attack methods and prepare their detection systems for them.
One of the focuses of the ATHENE project is facial image quality control and identity management. Another research project is centered on embedding biometric systems into devices with limited computing capacity, such as cell phones or augmented-reality cameras. Kirchbuchner explains, “One possible use case is head-mounted displays such as those used in VR/AR applications and the metaverse, for example, to assist border control officers or even to identify the user.”
Fraunhofer IGD will be showcasing their latest research findings at the it-sa Expo&Congress, which will take place from October 22 to 24 at the NürnbergMesse Exhibition Center in Nuremberg, Germany. Visitors to their booth, 6-314 in Hall 6, will have the opportunity to role-play as border agents and test their ability to identify morphed photos on passports. They can also take a picture of themselves and create a biometrics expert identification card using the face-morphing technology.
Additionally, Kirchbuchner will be giving a presentation on “Spoofing Attacks on Biometric Systems – Where Does the Research Stand?” where he will delve into the challenges and proposed solutions in this field.
The Darmstadt Biometric Week, co-hosted by Fraunhofer IGD, will also take place from September 23 to 27. This event brings together experts, authorities, and companies to discuss the latest developments and innovations in biometrics. The week will feature various events, including the International Conference of the Biometrics Special Interest Group (BIOSIG), the European Association for Biometrics (EAB) Research Projects Conference 2024, and the European Biometrics Max Snijder, Research, and Industry Awards 2024.
For more information on Fraunhofer IGD’s work on biometrics, visit their website at https://www.igd.fraunhofer.de/en/research/core-competencies/biometrics.html.
About Fraunhofer IGD:
Fraunhofer IGD has been setting standards in visual computing for over 30 years. With a team of 210 researchers, they provide specific technological solutions and support for strategic development in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, information technology, and more. Their research focuses on human-machine interactions, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing and scanning. Fraunhofer IGD has been engaged in high-level research since 1987 and collaborates with its Austrian sister institute, as well as participating in various EU projects.
Media Contact:
Daniela Welling
Head of Corporate Communications
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD
Fraunhoferstrasse 5 | 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
Phone +49 6151 155-146 | presse@igd.fraunhofer.de | https://www.igd.fraunho
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