PURPOSE: A method for protecting fingerprint data is provided to accurately extract the fingerprint image from image leaked from a specific group to outside by learning the feature of the finger print by the utilization of SVM. CONSTITUTION: A method for protecting fingerprint data comprises: a step(s311) of learning the feature of fingerprint shared by a specific group; a step(s312) of generating a classifier about the fingerprint by the use of learning result; a step(s313) of deciding the existence of finger print in a leaked image by the use of the classifier; a step of separating the finger print from the leaked image in case the finger print is included in the leaked image; a step of generating a fingerprint image; and a step(s32) of inserting the specific protective information into the fingerprint image.
