Source: sayidy.net

Information technologies are developing constantly and are introducing novelties every day. However, the possibilities of risks associated with this development are growing accordingly. One of the most dangerous risks is the data breach of personal and corporate information. That is why, today, data protection is one of the main focuses for computer security specialists.

We have recently discussed the risks associated with customer database protection and listed tips to maximise the security of that data. Today, we are going to share the risks associated with biometric authentication that you might not know or might not have thought about before.

Biometric authentication is a security process that uses unique biological characteristics, such as finger scanning, facial recognition and voice identification, to verify that you are who you say you are. These identifiers are with us all the time, are unique to us and simple in usability. Many big companies have integrated biometric authentication, meaning that a growing number of modern devices now authenticate people using biometric identifiers. Apple and Android devices started offering the finger recognition in 2013, while the first mobile phone with fingerprint scanner appeared as far back as 2004.

Although biometric authentication is undoubtingly convenient, to what extent is it reliable? Here are some of the limitations of biometric authentication:

1. Your physical presence is always necessary. One of the most significant disadvantages of biometrics is that you cannot verify your data remotely. For example, if you forget your email password, you can always recover it and regain control. With biometrics, you must always be near the device to be able to verify the account.

2. As biometric authentication is usually conducted on smartphones, where quality can be different, there is a possibility to receive false results. For example, when using fingerprint authentication, the system can refuse recognition of individual if they have scars or scabs on the fingers, meaning that they would not be able to get in.

3. People’s fingerprints are easy to fake. Fraudsters can easily produce a latex cast using just a photo of your hand in high resolution.

4. If someone got your password, it is easy to change it in couple of minutes, whereas stolen biometrics cannot be reset once compromised.

5. When you register your fingerprint within your smartphone, the device asks you to press the button multiple times so that it can be unlocked from different angels afterwards. This, however, makes the possibility access about 65% of devices, because the smartphone sensors are really small and rely on partial matches of fingerprints.

So, we have discovered the insecurities, associated with biometrical authentication and can confidently conclude by pointing out the fact that pictured authentication from PixelPin might win the competition, as it is available on any device, regardless of its biometric capabilities. It can be used on multiple devices separately; with it, it’s not possible to fake your physical features (e.g. fingerprints) to access your data and you can change your login details (pictures and passpoints) any time you want.

If you would like more information or interested in trying PixelPin, please do not hesitate to reach us via email: Hello@pixelpin.io