Cyber Security Awareness 006: Biometric

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Biometric Authentication Methods

Have you ever unlocked your phone or laptop using your fingerprint or face? If so, you've already experienced the convenience of biometrics. Biometrics, also known as "something you have" authentication, is a technology that uses unique physical or behavioural characteristics to verify your identity and grant access to information.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, simple measures like passwords are no longer sufficient to keep up with sophisticated cyber threats. Biometric authentication systems, which gained widespread popularity around the 2010s, offer a more secure and efficient way to protect your data. By leveraging complex algorithms that analyse a user's unique physical and behavioural traits, biometrics provide a fast and easy way to authenticate individuals.

Biometrics utilise various human attributes, including fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scanning, and voice recognition, to verify identity. Unlike passwords, which can be easily compromised, biometric data is inherently unique to each individual.

The Evolution of Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication has a long history, dating back to ancient times when fingerprints and handprints were used as signatures and seals. The scientific study of fingerprints began in the 19th century, with systems developed by pioneers like Alphonse Bertillon, Sir Francis Galton, and Sir Edward Henry. Facial recognition technology also has a rich history, starting with manual classification systems in the 1960s and evolving into sophisticated systems powered by advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Early biometric systems, such as fingerprint scanners and facial recognition systems, faced challenges in accuracy and reliability. However, advancements in technology have led to significant improvements, making modern biometric systems highly reliable and secure. These systems are now used in a wide range of applications, from unlocking smartphones to border control.

Three Pillars of Biometric Security

There are three main types of biometric security systems:

  • Biological Biometrics: Focuses on genetic and molecular traits, such as DNA or blood composition.

  • Morphological Biometrics: Relies on physical structures like fingerprints, facial features, or eye patterns.

  • Behavioural Biometrics: Analyses unique patterns like gait, voice, or typing style.

In today's world, Morphological Biometrics is the most commonly used biometrics for authentication, often employed in hand-held devices to access secure facilities.

How Biometrics Works

  • Enrollment: A user's biometric data is captured and stored in a secure database.

  • Verification: When users attempt to access a system, their biometric data is compared to the stored template.

  • Authentication: If the data matches, the user is granted access.

How is biometric data stored?

Biometric data is stored in a binary format, which is essentially a computer language. This format requires specific algorithms to read and interpret. There are several storage types:

  • On-Device Storage: This is when your biometric data is stored directly on the device you use for scanning. A special chip is often added to store and protect this data securely. 

  • Hardware Recognition: This involves storing biometric data on a dedicated piece of hardware that works with the device to recognise the data without storing it directly on the device itself. This can provide faster authentication as the biometric templates are stored locally, eliminating the need for external communication.

  • Portable Token: This involves storing biometric data on a physical token like a security card or USB drive. Database Server: For larger organisations, biometric data can be stored on a centralised database server. This allows for easier management and access from multiple locations.

  • Distributed Data Storage: This method involves splitting biometric data into smaller, encrypted parts and storing them in different locations, making it more difficult for hackers to access.

  • Blockchain Data Storage: Similar to distributed data storage, blockchain can be used to store encrypted biometric data in a decentralised manner, enhancing security.

Each storage method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice depends on the specific needs of the organization.

Benefits of Biometrics in Cybersecurity

  • Enhanced Security: Biometrics offer a higher level of security in comparison to traditional methods, making it difficult for hackers to compromise.

  • Convenience: Eliminates the need to remember complex passwords, providing a seamless user experience.

  • Stronger Authentication: Biometric data is virtually impossible to replicate or steal, making it a robust authentication factor.

  • Reduced Fraud: Biometrics can help prevent identity theft and fraudulent activities.

Commonly Used Systems

  • Fingerprint Recognition: Analyses the unique patterns and ridges in a fingerprint.

  • Facial Recognition: Identifies individuals based on their facial features.

  • Iris Recognition: Scans the unique patterns in the iris of the eye.

  • Voice Recognition: Analyses the unique characteristics of a person's voice.

Challenges and Considerations

While biometrics offer significant advantages, there are also challenges to consider:

  • Privacy Concerns: The collection and storage of biometric data raise privacy concerns.

  • Accuracy: Biometric systems may not always be 100% accurate, especially in certain conditions.

  • Cost: Implementing biometric systems can be costly, particularly for large organisations.

Biometrics have become an essential component of modern cybersecurity. By leveraging unique physical or behavioural characteristics, they offer a more secure, convenient, and reliable way to verify identity. As technology continues to advance, we can expect biometrics to play an even more significant role in protecting our digital world.


More Info

What is Biometrics? How is it used in security? : Kaspersky 

What is Biometrics?: Biometrics Institute

The History of Biometric Authentication: Thales Group

How is biometric data stored?: NEC

The history of biometrics: Recfaces

The History and Evolution of Fingerprint Identification: NAI

The History of Facial Recognition Technologies: AnyConnect Academy

Past, Present, and Future of Face Recognition: Electronics

Facial Recognition: Applications, Evolution, and Challenges: AZOAI

Evolution of Fingerprint Technology: US Department of Justice 

Biometric Authentication Now and Then: History and Timeline: Bayometric

The Technology Behind Biometric Authentication: Copperpod

Fingerprint Recognition: NSTC

The rise of Facial Recognition technology: OLOID

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