Biometric Authentication: A Superior Form of Security?

In today's digital age, nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives is online. Working, socialising, shopping, banking, travelling, relaxing… Almost all of our day to day activities are in some way reliant on the use of a computerised device. While the move ‘online’ over the past two decades has undeniably had a positive impact on the world in many different ways, it has also brought with it many new challenges. One such challenge is the rise of cybercrime and the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals whose cyber attacks look to exploit this shift to an online world.

 

Cybersecurity has never been more important. From personal data leaks to large-scale corporate hacks, the after-effects of cybersecurity breaches are a near-constant feature in the news. The need for robust security measures has therefore never been greater, with cybersecurity technology companies constantly seeking to evolve and improve their technology to ward off ever-changing cyberthreats.  

 

In recent years, biometric authentication - an advanced security method that leverages unique biological characteristics to verify identity - has become an increasingly popular form of technology that is used to protect our data and devices. But is biometric authentication truly a superior form of security? In this article we will explore this question, touching on what it actually is, its benefits, the challenges it faces, and what it could look like in the future.

 

What is Biometric Authentication?

Biometric authentication is the process of identifying an individual based on their distinct physical or behavioural traits. Unlike traditional forms of security, such as passwords or PINs, biometrics are tied to an individual and are therefore unique. This makes them exceptionally difficult to replicate or steal. 

Common types of biometric authentication include:

• Fingerprint recognition: Scanning the unique ridges and valleys on an individual’s fingertip.

• Facial recognition: Identifying individuals based on their facial features.

• Iris and retina scans: Analysing the unique colours and patterns in an individual’s iris, or the retina in the back of the eye.

• Voice recognition: Examining the unique voice patterns associated with an individual.

• Behavioural biometrics: Observing the patterns of behaviour commonly displayed by an individual.

The Benefits of Biometric Authentication

Over the last decade, biometric authentication has rapidly evolved into a technology that the majority of us use on a daily basis without even thinking. Almost all modern devices are now compatible with biometric technology, with most mobile phones featuring it as standard. But why has this technology enjoyed such a meteoric rise in popularity? Outlined are some of the main benefits biometric authentication offers.

• Level of Security - As each individual’s biological characteristics are unique, they are extremely difficult to replicate, unlike a pin number or password. This ensures a high level of protection and reduces the risk of an unauthorised person gaining access. For example, fingerprint recognition, which is incorporated into many smartphones, allows only the user whose fingerprint it is to gain access.
• Convenience - The days of having to rack your brain to remember complex passwords are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. With biometric authentication a user is able to access a device or an account within seconds; an experience that is both quicker and more convenient.

• Compatible With Modern Devices - Biometric technology is now ubiquitous in modern devices. Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops come equipped with biometric sensors. This widespread adoption means that biometric authentication can be easily integrated into existing systems, providing an additional layer of security without requiring significant infrastructure changes.

 

Challenges and Limitations

As with any technology, biometric authentication has its challenges and its drawbacks. Highlighted below are some of the main problems it faces: 

• Privacy Concerns - As it is unique to every individual, biometric data is highly sensitive. If a password is stolen it can be easily updated. Biometric data however, can’t be changed. Therefore, the highest security measures need to be in place to protect it as the consequences of a hack and this data being leaked would be far worse.

• Technological Limitations - Biometric systems are not faultless. While they are rare, false positives and negatives can occur where an unauthorised individual gets access. Additionally, biometric data can sometimes be copied or hacked. For example, recent research has shown high-resolution photographs can be used to fool facial recognition systems. 

• Ethical and Legal Considerations - There are ethical questions around companies having access to such data as there is the potential for misuse and surveillance, where individuals could be tracked without their consent. Also, from a legal standpoint regulation and compliance requirements are complex and vary across regions, with users having to provide informed consent.

 

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

To truly understand whether biometric authentication is  a ‘superior’ form of security, it’s important to look at how successful it has been within different sectors. As it’s now a technology that has been integrated into almost all industries in some form (so assessing each would be a near-impossible task), we have looked at its impact in a couple sectors.

The Banking Sector

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that biometric authentication has revolutionised the banking sector. By integrating biometrics into authorisation processes, where biological traits such as fingerprints and facial recognition are required for customers to access their accounts, banks have significantly reduced fraud and unapproved access. The technology has also streamlined processes, enabling quicker transactions and seamless customer experiences. 

For example, HSBC was one of the early adopters of biometric technology back in 2016. Five years later, in 2021 they reported that their voice ID technology had reduced banking fraud by 50%, stopping £249 million of customers’ money getting into the hands of telephone fraudsters. 

The Healthcare Sector

Within the healthcare sector biometric systems have been used for patient identification, in turn reducing errors and improving care quality. Utilising this technology within the sector has not only enhanced patient safety but also improved efficiency in patient management as HCPs don’t have to spend precious time logging into systems. Not long after being integrated into NHS processes, an Open Access Government article cited how it had already been proven successful in…

• Helping HCPs access medical records 

• Limiting fraudulent treatment and prescriptions

• Keeping staff and patients safe by ensuring only authorised personnel allowed in hospitals and clinics 

 

The Future of Biometric Authentication

As with any other technology, biometric authentication is constantly improving and evolving, with ongoing technological advancements enhancing its effectiveness and addressing current limitations. For instance, biometric systems are now being integrated with AI and machine learning to enable more accurate, sophisticated and adaptive security measures that can eradicate false positives and spoofing. 

Having already become a form of technology most of us use on a daily basis, biometric authentication will further cement its place in the digital landscape over the coming years. A recent report by Mordor Intelligence estimates that the market for the next generation of biometric technology is expected to grow to $94.23 billion by 2028. It’s therefore inevitable that biometrics will be blended into the processes of other sectors, playing even more of a role in our day to day lives. 

The Biometric authentication sector is ‘big business’. It’s here to stay and the technology behind it is only going to get better.

 

A Superior Form of Security?

Going back to the original question, it has to be concluded that biometric authentication is a superior form of security. Yes there are challenges, current technological limitations, and ethical concerns, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Successful implementation in sectors such as banking and healthcare demonstrate how it can be used to increase the level of security while also enhancing user experience. A form of technology that is evolving at a rapid pace, in the next few years it will cement its role as a key component in security systems… and rightly so. 

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