Fingerprinting blank paper using commodity scanners

William Clarkson, Tim Weyrich, Adam Finkelstein, Nadia Heninger, J. Alex Halderman, Edward W. Felten

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

87 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a novel technique for authenticating physical documents based on random, naturally occurring imperfections in paper texture. We introduce a new method for measuring the three-dimensional surface of a page using only a commodity scanner and without modifying the document in any way. From this physical feature, we generate a concise fingerprint that uniquely identifies the document. Our technique is secure against counterfeiting and robust to harsh handling; it can be used even before any content is printed on a page. It has a wide range of applications, including detecting forged currency and tickets, authenticating passports, and halting counterfeit goods. Document identification could also be applied maliciously to de-anonymize printed surveys and to compromise the secrecy of paper ballots.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2009 30th IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy
Pages301-314
Number of pages14
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event2009 30th IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy - Oakland, CA, United States
Duration: May 17 2009May 20 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy
ISSN (Print)1081-6011

Other

Other2009 30th IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOakland, CA
Period5/17/095/20/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Software
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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