Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system for providing data in dependence upon fingerprint information to a computer is disclosed. The system comprises an imaging device for capturing a fingerprint image. The fingerprint image is processed to provide associated data such as a portion of an encryption key. The associated data are secured prior to transmission by encoding into an image frame forming part of a video data signal. The data are encoded at predetermined locations within the image frame instead of image pixel data. The video data signal comprising the associated data are then transmitted to a computer. Upon receipt at the computer the received video data signal is processed to extract the encoded data from the predetermined locations within the image frame.