Clearing Up 5 Common Misconceptions About Biometric Authentication
The biometric technology market, worth USD 36.6 billion, has the ability to transform digital authentication. However, misconceptions regarding the potential of this technology, security risks, privacy concerns, and accuracy levels can hinder its growth. Thus, to accelerate its widespread adoption, it is essential to debunk some common myths about biometric verification technology.
- Since Biometrics Capture and Store My Images, Hackers Can Easily Access My Facial Details or Fingerprints.
It is true that during biometric authentication, the data is extracted from an individual’s images. However, the image itself is not permanently stored in the system. Once an original sample, whether it is an image of a person’s face, fingerprint, or eye, is collected, it is quickly discarded. Instead, the image is converted into a mathematical file, commonly known as a biometric template. This template acts as the digital reference during the biometric authentication process, where biological characteristics are utilized for identification purposes.
This means that while images are captured during the initial stage, they are transformed into an encrypted mathematical format. As a result, the hacker cannot gain access to a person’s face or fingerprint.
2. Companies Can Access and Share My Data Without My Consent
Based on the data protection law, individuals have the right to be informed about the way their data is used and accessed. Under this law, they also have the right to restrict or completely halt the processing of their data in case they find it necessary in certain situations.
The EU’s (European Union) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) states that an individual’s confidential data can only be shared if consent has been given. Since non-compliance to such regulations results in hefty fines and penalties, it encourages firms to use data after permission has been granted.
Some cases where user consent can be bypassed include a situation where the individual’s data has to be accessed to save their lives or is needed for authentication or security reasons. Additionally, the protection of biometric data is also one of nine special categories drafted in the UK’s Data Protection Act of 2018. With such regulations in place, companies are prohibited to share biometric data without legal consent.
3. Biometrics Can Be Easily Replicated By Fraudsters
Although it is possible to replicate biometric data by using techniques such as 3-D face masks or printed fingerprints, it is definitely not a simple task.
The biometric authentication process incorporates advanced features which make it nearly impossible for fraudsters to deceive the system. For example, numerous companies have integrated anti-spoofing methods within their solution, such as liveness detection. With the help of this feature, it becomes increasingly challenging for fraudsters to deceive the security system through fake biometrics.
The AI algorithms behind the liveness detection feature have the ability to analyze images based on their live presence. As a result, accurate differentiation can be made between a fraudulent attempt and a legitimate person.
4. Biometric Data Is Unreliable and Error-prone
Skeptics have often questioned the results of biometric authentication. However, studies have proven that this method of identity verification is far more superior to conventional methods, such as KBA (Knowledge-based Authentication), PIN codes, and passwords.
A 2019 report by Verizon showed how 80% of online data breaches are still tied with the adoption of weak security systems such as passwords. On the other hand, biometric verification leverages state-of-the-art technology to safeguard customer data and produce highly accurate results.
Another study by NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology) revealed that technological advancements in the field of biometric fingerprints have led to an accuracy rate higher than 99%. Similar to fingerprint recognition, the results of identity verification from iris scanning are also considerably precise, with an accuracy rate between 90–99%.
5. Biometric Authentication Systems are Expensive
Another common myth about biometric verification is that the process has high costs associated with it. The truth is on the contrary, as biometrics are now commonly found in smartphones and applications. This shows that biometric verification requires a low initial investment.
Compared with the true cost of password resets which costs US-based companies USD 1 million annually, the adoption of biometric proves to be the cost-efficient option. By making this swap, companies can instead allocate their resources for high-profit projects and substantially cut down on losses.
