According to Cobalt, the cost of cyber threats is projected to rise to $10.5 trillion by the end of this year. These threats are becoming more innovative. Thankfully, biometric authentication offers a promising solution to help improve the security of your organization.
Biometric technology uses physical or behavioral characteristics that are unique to every individual. Characteristics like fingerprints, facial recognition, or even voice patterns. This authentication system stands as a compelling alternative to traditional passwords. But is it the ultimate solution you have been seeking?
Let’s discuss some pros and cons so you can decide.
Pros of Biometric Authentication
1. Unlike passwords or PINs that can be guessed or stolen, biometric data is unique to each individual. This makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to replicate or compromise. For example, a hacker might crack a weak password, but duplicating someone’s fingerprint is far more challenging.
2. Biometric authentication takes out the need for your staff to remember complex passwords or even carry physical tokens. Just by scanning their fingerprint or face, they can quickly and seamlessly access their devices or accounts. This is particularly valuable when you are managing multiple systems daily.
3. These systems ensure that access into platforms and tools is undeniably tied to an individual. This non-repudiation capability can strengthen audit trails, making it clear who accessed sensitive data and when.
4. Modern biometric technologies like the Seamfix iAM are increasingly easy to integrate with existing IT systems. From multi-factor authentication to role-based access control, biometrics can complement other security measures, providing layered protection for businesses.
Now the Cons?
1. Storing biometric data raises significant privacy issues. If a biometric database is breached, the stolen data cannot be changed—unlike a password. This poses a long-term risk, as individuals’ biometric traits are permanent.
2. Implementing biometric systems can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations. Costs include purchasing hardware (like fingerprint scanners) and software, as well as ongoing maintenance.
3. Some regions have strict regulations governing the collection and use of biometric data. For instance, the GDPR in Europe and the CCPA in California impose stringent requirements, making compliance a potential challenge for IT teams.
Now, should IT Professionals Adopt Biometrics Technology?
While biometric authentication offers undeniable benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. IT professionals should adopt some best practices, especially concerning privacy and implementation costs:
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Ensure that the stored biometric data of your staff is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access from malicious persons.
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Combine biometrics with other authentication methods for a more robust security setup.
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Conduct training sessions for your employees on the proper use, limitations and importance of these systems.
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Keep biometric hardware and software up to date to address vulnerabilities and improve accuracy.
