Cybersecurity

This has big "don't use a standard deadbolt on your front door; it's not as strong as reinforced titanium doors with time-release locks" energy

Like, not technically wrong, but does not fit the standard risk profile, it's overkill for most situations.

Also to everyone talking about US law enforcement, this is just so easy to protect from, not worth ditching biometrics: if you see cops approaching and are worried about a device being unlocked, just reboot it. If you need to do it surreptitiously, just hold the power button to force shut it off after ~10s. This will always require a password to unlock after

As soon as the word "convenient" is used, you know it will affect security.

Do you really not use your phones fingerprint reader and type in your passcode every time?

I get that you can be compelled by law enforcement to give up your biometrics, but if you're gonna end up in that sort of situation it's 2 buttons and a tap to temporarily disable biometrics.

And typing in a password every time is the opposite of usability..

Why?

It's not like they're literally using your face or fingerprint as a password. They're not even storing them, just a hash tied to an hsm key.

I think it depends. Some people might be inclined to use too short or simple password because they don't wanna constantly be typing a long password. It's much better to have a strong password and fingerprint/face rec for convince than just a insecure password.

Hot take: biometrics are often criticized for being less secure, but that ignores the deficiencies of passwords. Especially on phones, it's very doable to look over someone's shoulder while they're unlocking their phone or do the same with a camera. You can't do that with a fingerprint, at least not nearly as easily.

And yes, I understand that in the US (amongst others?) the legal situations with passwords and biometrics are different, but IMO that's more of a legal question, and not everyone lives in the US.

Android also has an "emergency lockdown" option, which disables biometrics for unlocking your phone - or you can shut it down (worst case scenario force shut down with a long hold on the power button) to get it into a BFU state, which is much harder to crack.

Oh look it's opposite day again.