LinuxCommandLibrary

fprintd-verify

Verify a fingerprint against enrolled fingerprints

TLDR

Verify all stored fingerprints for the current user

$ fprintd-verify
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Verify a specific fingerprint for the current user
$ fprintd-verify [[-f|--finger]] [left-thumb|left-index-finger|left-middle-finger|left-ring-finger|left-little-finger|right-thumb|...]
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Verify fingerprints for a specific user
$ fprint-verify [username]
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Verify a specific fingerprint for a specific user
$ fprintd-verify [[-f|--finger]] [finger_name] [username]
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Fail the process if a fingerprint doesn't match with ones stored in the database for the current user
$ fprint-verify --g-fatal-warnings
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Display help
$ fprintd-verify --help
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SYNOPSIS

fprintd-verify

DESCRIPTION

The fprintd-verify command is a utility provided by the fprintd project, used to authenticate a user by verifying their fingerprint against the enrolled fingerprint data managed by fprintd. It interacts with the fingerprint reader hardware to capture a fingerprint image and compares it to the stored templates. This process allows users to authenticate without entering passwords, enhancing security and convenience. fprintd is a system service that provides a standardized interface for fingerprint readers across different distributions and desktop environments. fprintd-verify simplifies fingerprint verification and can be integrated into login managers or other authentication mechanisms to provide a seamless fingerprint authentication solution. The command's functionality and usage are dependent on the successful installation and configuration of fprintd and the availability of a compatible fingerprint reader.

CAVEATS

This command requires fprintd to be running and configured correctly. A fingerprint reader must be connected and properly detected by the system.
The user must have already enrolled their fingerprint using fprintd's enrollment tools before verification can succeed.
Verification success depends on the quality of the captured fingerprint image and the accuracy of the enrollment process.
May need elevated privileges for certain tasks.

OUTPUT

The command's output is typically minimal. Success or failure of the fingerprint verification is indicated by the exit code.
A successful verification typically returns an exit code of 0.
Failure (fingerprint does not match, device error, etc.) returns a non-zero exit code. Standard error can provide diagnostic information if issues occur.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Fingerprint authentication adds a layer of security, but it is not infallible.
Fingerprint data should be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access.
Physical security of the fingerprint reader is also important to prevent tampering or spoofing.
It's advisable to use fingerprint authentication as part of a multi-factor authentication system for enhanced security.

HISTORY

fprintd was developed to provide a unified, cross-distribution interface for fingerprint readers on Linux. fprintd-verify is a part of the fprintd toolset and was created to enable user authentication through fingerprint verification.
It has evolved alongside fprintd as fingerprint reader technology and security requirements have advanced. Usage is generally tied to desktop environments, login managers, or applications that want to implement fingerprint-based authentication.

SEE ALSO

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