Traditional security measures have ruled the security technology industry for a long time. However, due to the inception of newer and better technologies, their status was simply challenged, and they lost.
Biometric ṭechnology is emerging as the new winner. From facial recognition to iris recognition, these modern technologies are not only more accurate than traditional methods but also easily integrated into the modern enterprise environment. Such a thing also makes them highly adaptable in smartphone technologies, home security systems and more. In addition, they are also more user-friendly than traditional recognition methods as users no longer need to remember long, complicated passwords and can easily control various functions remotely.
In the global sphere – biometric is being used all over the world. Nowadays, biometric technologies are widely being used in everyday life, so this slow but consistent trend is rapidly gaining momentum, even if it is not a noticeable transition. There are various types of biometrics, and each has its pros and cons:
What is Biometric Authentication?
Biometric authentication is a security process that involves checking and matching a user’s biometric features to verify if they have the right to access a particular device or location.
If the biometric features of a person seeking access to the device do not match with the characteristics of an authorized user, access to the user device is denied. Now you know passwords are dead, right?
Types of biometric recognition
Human features within the sphere of biometrics can be physical (visual), behavioral and chemical. Now we will consider all the types that organizations can use to secure your business or home.
Fingerprint recognition
With the advancement of digital technologies and the use of smartphones, fingerprint scanners have gained popularity in recent years. New versions of fingerprint scanning have proven to go beyond the vascular patterns and papillary patterns on people’s fingers. Albeit sometimes inaccurate, fingerprint scanners are among the most efficient and widely used biometric technologies for everyday consumers.
Face recognition
Facial recognition is rapidly becoming a familiar feature in apps and websites. While facial recognition is not a new technology, it has certainly become more advanced. Next-generation algorithms, an increasing number of online and offline databases, and the increasing integration of cameras into consumers’ devices make facial recognition an integral factor of everyday life. In the best technologies, the accuracy of face recognition is 99%.
Vein recognition
Vein recognition technology is not as popular as facial recognition, but its use is rapidly increasing as it poses fewer privacy concerns and helps avoid the “criminal stigma” of fingerprints. The vein structure in the arm is said to remain stable throughout a person’s life, barring trauma or surgery that might otherwise alter them.
Compared to other biometric security systems, vein recognition systems have the practical advantage of high accuracy, authentication speed, tamper resistance, and compactness. Other significant factors driving the demand for vein recognition technology in everyday life include ease of use, safety and low false rejection rates. Combining this technology with other biometric recognition methods such as handprint and fingerprint methods opens up numerous opportunities. The primary obstacle to the growth of this technology is the higher cost of these systems compared to other biometric solutions.
Voice recognition
Speech or voice recognition identifies people based on differences in their voice resulting from physiological differences and acquired speaking skills. The usage of biometric speech recognition technology to identify individuals has developed into a real-world application that organizations worldwide see as a powerful fraud prevention tool and, more importantly, as a method to improve the relationship with their customers.
Biometric voice or speech recognition technology provides consumers with a more secure form of authentication. Financial institutions and banks have already started using this authentication method in several countries. And consumers are reporting increased satisfaction and confidence with this modern methodology. Smartphone applications have also begun to take advantage of this technology. Allowing users to interact with the app using their voice, turning the process much easier and more intuitive. In addition, the increased use of biometric technology has also proven to help people with visual impairments. Those with motor skills and those who are less technically savvy.
Advantages and disadvantages of biometric identification
Biometric authentication processes and their use in advanced technologies and automated applications have numerous advantages. Here are some of them:
Benefits of biometric systems
Ease of use: An iris or fingerprint scanner is much easier to use than a long and alphanumeric password. Nowadays, detecting a fingerprint and allowing a person to open the smartphone takes only a second in almost all modern smartphones.
Not transferable: No one can transfer their fingers to anyone, for example, to enter a password. Such a thing requires proper authorization and a physical application. Which is the only method to access most biometric authentication schemes.
No forgery: Since it is practically impossible to fake the papillary pattern of the fingers, it is also impossible to reproduce other biometric information such as facial marks, fingerprints, iris scans, even with advanced technology.
User friendly: Albeit the internal working of biometric authentication is very technical, from the user’s point of view, they are much simpler and faster than password protection. Moreover, forgetting a password is a common occurrence among most users. However, such a thing is not possible in biometric devices.
Disadvantages of Biometric Authentication
High cost: It is understood that a complex protection system will attract more investment and cost. In addition, most organizations will also need to update existing technologies to accommodate the change in biometric authentication. So this might be a legitimate concern.
Data hacking: Companies and agencies that collect and store the personal biometric data of users are subject to constant hacking attempts. Since biometric data is indispensable, organizations need to handle sensitive information with increased vigilance and care to avoid negative publicity.
Biometrics and Identity Access Management
Repute, as a leader in secure identity and reputation management, is a strong believer in multi-factor authentication. Which can include biometrics and employee background check. To learn more about the most effective methods of verification of employment for businesses, contact us now.