Fraud landscape is gaining grounds so security requirements are quickly evolving to demand a rigorous approach to authentication. Biometric authentication is not just a buzzword being used but is a milestone achieved in this regard. In 2016, the biometric market in the United States reached $3.52 billion U.S Dollars and is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade.  

Traditional methods of authentication, for instance, username and password, SMS-based two-factor authentication have fallen out of the box due to various security vulnerabilities. Face recognition technology is a more sophisticated and robust authentication system to mitigate the potential of these vulnerabilities including identity theft and online fraud. Most of the people may believe that it is jeopardizing personal privacy even then the reality remains eminent that it brings many benefits to daily lives, as in:

It ensures accuracy
The system expels major safety threats
Many biometrics solutions like facial recognition are cost-effective
It is easy to use
User acceptance is increasing
No contact is required as in the case of face verification
Difficult to fool

Types of Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication has many many applications as it is a security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of an individual to verify that he is who he says he is. Biometric authentication technology is a comparison of a biometric data capture to stored, confirmed authentic data in a database. The biometric technology comprises many different types, including but not limited to these:

Fingertip recognition: Analyzing fingertip structures to identify users
Iris recognition: Detection of specific features in the iris of the eye
Face recognition: The technology is based on features like nose width, chin, and jawline, using face recognition algorithms that map the face.
Voice recognition: Used for speaker’s voice authentication
Palm recognition: Detects vein patterns or hand geometry of the user

 

Biometric Verification ‘Replacing’ Old Authentication Methods?

Applications of Biometric Verification

In this era, we all have mobile phones so this biometric authentication story should not sound so futuristic. For instance, iPhone touch ID is known for years already and it completely revolutionized the way smartphone developers approach user authentication. According to mobile payment security Biometric Authentication System and tokenization 2018-2023, Juniper Research predicts that biometric authentication will increase from approx. EUR 429 million in 2018 to more than € 1.5 billion in 2023.

As biometric authentication has great potential, its burgeoning use in the travel and aviation industry is natural. American Airlines uses facial recognition technology to board international flights from Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Face recognition is used to verify people’s identity in seconds. Biometrics analysts talk about the Brisbane-based airport trying to test a facial recognition system:

“Instead of going through multiple rounds of checks, passengers simply present their passports, boarding passes and having to look at the camera nearby to get the confirmation process. The same process is repeated several times before the passenger finally gets on the plane.”

Financial institutions opt for biometric verification to protect their customers as well as identity theft, bank robbery, credit card fraud and many other digital scams.

The same process is repeated many  times before the passenger finally enters the plane.”

Financial institutions are choosing biometric verification to protect their customers as well as themselves from identity theft, account takeovers (ATO), credit card fraud and many other digital scams. According to recent news, facial recognition technology is rolling out at ATMs.

Biometric Verification ‘Replacing’ Old Authentication Methods?

At Tokyo, Seven banks partnered with NEC, to replace existing ATMs with new ones that incorporate biometric authentication technologies and QR code reader. Seven Bank Ltd has developed Japan’s first ATM that uses facial recognition technology to identify users and does away with the need for cards.

Biometric authentication is a security process that relies on the individual’s unique biological properties to verify identity. Biometric authentication systems compare the collection of biometric data with storage, authentic data in a database. If both adjustment samples of the biometric data are confirmed. Biometric authentication is typically used to manage physical and digital resources such as buildings, rooms, and computing device.