Biometric authentication is an excellent security measure. It compares an individual’s characteristics to the stored biometric data to give access to systems, applications, buildings, and more. One of the biggest perks of this technology is that, unlike RFID badges, keys, and passwords, biometric authentication cannot be lost. Moreover, while there are malicious actors on the web who can trace your activities on the internet, whether it be checking our Spectrum Mobile Billing or entering your credit card details, hackers don’t have any control over biometric authentication. They won’t be able to steal or replicate the biometric data.
How Secure is Biometric Authentication?
A lot of people have concerns about biometric authentication. And some even question if it is indeed a secure way of authentication. At the same time, there are different misconceptions about what a biometric is and what it can do. Let’s take the example of facial recognition. When you are creating a facial recognition template from a person’s face, the biometric created will not be the image or photo.
So, what is it then? It will be the mathematical interpretation of the person’s face. And this template is going to be the proprietary of the facial recognition provider. Also, guess what? No one will be able to read this template unless someone knows the secrets of the vendor. Even if the secrets get leaked, and the algorithm is decoded, it will be impossible to recreate the original facial characteristics from the template.
Many people are still skeptical of biometric authentication. However, know that it’s secure. This is simply because hackers won’t be able to use biometric information for their own personal gains. The data will be useless to them even if they are successful in decoding the algorithm.
Is Biometric Authentication Reliable?
Although there are many who believe biometric technology, it is far from the truth. This tech is highly reliable. In fact, it is more reliable than the traditional authentication ways like passwords. You will be surprised to know that password verification is responsible for many cyber breaches. Hackers can easily figure out passwords and can steal your private information. However, biometric authentication provides a better accuracy level and good security performance.
There are different kinds of biometric technologies like facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, and retinal scanning. Many of them are not new. Fingerprinting and facial recognition has been available for a long time. And as technology is advancing and becoming more sophisticated, so are these authentication ways. Therefore, one can say that biometric authentication is reliable.
How Has the Recent Pandemic Increased the Demand for Biometric Authentication?
After the recent pandemic, more and more businesses have started to move towards biometric authentication. There is a strong need for contactless solutions. This is also helping many businesses take care of several different issues. As biometric technology has already gained a lot of traction, it is safe to say that the future only brings great things for this technology. Expected advancements in the near future include the following:
#1. Contactless Airports
The world’s travel industry has been the most affected during the pandemic and has struggled to survive through the last couple of years. As travel restrictions are slowly going away and airports are buzzing with people once more, management wants to take as many preventive measures as possible. Many airlines have adopted contactless methods of checking in, boarding, customs, and even dropping off travel bags. The goal is to provide a completely seamless and contactless experience at the airport from the curve to the gate.
#2. Contactless Transit Networks
Apart from airports and airlines, even transit networks have implemented contactless solutions to make local traveling safer. Trains and buses have further added to the mask compliance, disinfection, and other COVID regulations. In addition, operators have turned to biometrics which provides more accuracy, speed, and safety. The next incredible feature expected in the near future is “tap on and tap off,” which will not include any contact between a surface and a finger.
#3. Staffless Stores
In some parts of Japan, the idea of having an entire grocery store with only computerized staff and no person-to-person contact is already being implemented. However, the idea behind that concept was more focused on saving money in the workforce and making it a better experience for introverts or socially awkward people. Now, the reason behind implementing this phenomenon has changed. Completely contactless all-facial-recognition stores are being opened to make shopping a smoother and safer experience. For example, biometric technology allows customers to enter the store and leave after they pay without having to make any contact with doors, buttons, or humans.
#4. Pay By Face
The most crucial part of every transaction, where human-to-human contact cannot be avoided, is money exchange. However, even this is going to change. Through biometric technology, customers will be able to pay simply by facial recognition. They don’t need a wallet or their phone, avoiding any type of possible contamination.
Conclusion
Biometric technology is the future, and there is no denying it. It is safe, secure, and hygienic, making it the best way to modernize people’s lives. Every major industry in the world is working to incorporate this technology into their systems, and those who have not paid attention to it yet will soon realize its importance. Because, soon enough, it’s going to be everywhere!