Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No.333-144854) and Form S-3 (No. 333-171660 and No. 333-178446) of AuthenTec, Inc. of our report dated March 9, 2012 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control

over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Orlando, Florida

March 9, 2012