Biometric technology has become ubiquitous with its constant innovation and integration into commonly used modern devices. Most smartphones in the digital age already have built-in support for fingerprint scans and facial recognition, enabling users to use biometric identity verification for daily tasks. Whether they unlock their mobile phones, perform online transactions, or log in to different accounts, people can use biometric technology to simplify and expedite these processes.
In connection, this technology is also a key component in modern cybersecurity. Criminals often take advantage of weaknesses in a company’s digital defense to steal valuable information or perform fraudulent acts. Because of the increase in digital security risks, enterprises are mandated to implement more effective measures to deter fraudulent attempts to protect their client’s data and privacy.
Organizations like the Fast ID Online (FIDO) Alliance develop standards for stronger identity authentication processes. Their FIDO2 passwordless authentication protocol urges enterprises to replace passwords with other authentication factors like biometrics and cryptographic keys. These credentials are not easily susceptible to circumvention tactics.
With FIDO multi-factor authentication (MFA), users are required to provide all necessary credentials before they are given access to the platform. Additionally, since biometric traits are almost impossible to forge, they are considered ideal replacements for legacy authentication systems.
In the coming years, various industries are expecting an increase in the adoption of biometric authentication on their platforms. Similarly, experts project that more biometric options will be available in the future, including voice or heart-rate detection, signature authentication, and even devices that can identify a person based on the way they walk.
The application of biometric technology has grown significantly in the past decades. It was once only available for government use or other commercial purposes. But in the modern world, it is already available for public consumption. To know more about biometric technology and its evolution, see this infographic from LoginID.
