What is Biometric Authentication?

Biometric authentication is a cybersecurity process that uses an individual’s unique physical characteristics to ensure the user is who they claim to be. Unlike traditional methods, such as passwords or PINs which rely on something the user knows, biometric authentication relies on what is inherent to the user’s identity.

Types of biometric authentication

Fingerprint recognition

This method uses optical sensors to map out the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person’s fingers and identify them.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition uses 2D and 3D cameras, infrared sensors, or structured light to analyze unique features and patterns of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes and the shape of the nose.

Iris and retina scanning

Iris scanning uses a near-infrared camera to capture a detailed image of the iris from a distance. It identifies the unique patterns in the colored part of the eye.

Retina scanning examines the distinct pattern of blood vessels in the retina. It involves positioning the eye near an eyepiece, which projects low-powered infrared light.

Voice recognition

Voice recognition technology identifies individuals based on vocal characteristics, including pitch, tone, and rhythm. This method can be impacted by background noise or health conditions that may alter a person’s voice.

Behavioral biometrics

Behavioral biometrics involve analyzing patterns in a user’s behavior, such as mouse movements and keystroke patterns. This method continuously authenticates users, preventing unauthorized access based on anomalous behavior.

Signature recognition

Signature recognition can be static or dynamic. Dynamic methods assess pen pressure, stroke order, and speed of the signature, while static methods compare the size, shape, curves, and other characteristics of the signature’s image.

How biometric authentication works

Data Capture: The first step is to collect the user’s biometric data using various sensors or cameras, such as a fingerprint scanner to capture a detailed image of their fingerprint.
Data Storage: Once captured, the data is converted into a biometric template; a mathematical representation. It must be encrypted and stored securely, either on the device or a secure server to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Matching Process: The captured data is compared with the existing template using specific matching algorithms. If both match, the user is authenticated.

Applications

Mobile devices: Provides a quick and secure way to access smartphones and laptops.
Financial services: Authorizes transactions and secures access to banking apps, preventing financial fraud and identity theft.
Accessing online services: Enhances security, simplifies login processes, and reduces reliance on less secure access methods, such as passwords.
Government and law enforcement: Employed in border control, record-keeping, and criminal investigations, particularly to confirm identities and secure access to sensitive data.

Biometrics vs. passwords

Passwords involve a string of characters known to the user to access a system. Unlike biometrics, they rely on what a person knows.
Biometrics offer more convenience as the user does not need to commit anything to memory.
Passwords may be compromised by theft, brute-force attacks, or simple guessing. However, biometrics are much harder to fake, especially with liveness detection mechanisms to ensure that the data being captured is not from a static image.
If biometric data is stolen, it cannot be replaced and remains a constant threat. The culprit can use it to generate high-quality replicas. Passwords, however, can be easily changed.

Legal considerations

eIDAS 2.0: eIDAS 2.0 introduces Digital Identity Wallets, allowing EU citizens to store and manage their personal data. This offers an efficient and secure means of identifying and authenticating a user’s identity across EU member states.
GDPR: GDPR is an EU regulation focused on data security and privacy. It sets out rules for handling personal data, requiring organizations to ensure that biometric information is collected, stored, and processed with the highest level of security.
U.S. biometric laws: The use of biometric data in the U.S. is governed by state-specific regulations. For example, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) imposes strict requirements on obtaining consent and securing biometric data during collection, possession, and disclosure.

*Disclaimer: This content does not constitute legal advice. The suitability, enforceability or admissibility of electronic documents will likely depend on many factors such as the country or state where you operate, the country or state where the electronic document will be distributed as well as the type of electronic document involved. Appropriate legal counsel should be consulted to analyze any potential legal implications and questions related to the use of electronic documents.