May 02, 2022
Top 12 Global Companies Offering Biometric Security Solutions
Biometric authentication techniques have become essential to modern security solutions, protecting our most sensitive data. Imagine never having to remember a password again or having your digital life secured using face, fingerprint, or iris recognition. Let’s learn about biometric security solutions and discover its offerings from leading companies.
Anonybit’s identity management platform is vital for individuals and businesses, empowering users with cutting-edge biometric security solutions.
What Is Biometric Security?
Biometric authentication and security are crucial concepts that businesses need to understand. Biometrics, a term derived from the Greek words ‘bio,’ meaning life, and ‘metric,’ meaning to measure, involves using unique physical and behavioral characteristics to identify individuals accurately. These traits range from fingerprints and facial features to voice patterns and typing rhythms.
A Historical Look at Biometrics
Biometric security solutions’ history goes back to 1883, when French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon first utilized body measurements to identify repeat offenders. Since then, biometric authentication has grown in popularity due to its effectiveness in controlling access to sensitive information, devices, or physical locations. This technology is known for its high accuracy in identification, access control, and surveillance, making it a vital tool for modern enterprises.
Core Biometric Techniques
Various biometric techniques have become standards in cybersecurity. One of the most well-known is fingerprint recognition, which involves scanning and analyzing unique patterns on an individual’s fingers. Another popular method is face recognition, which uses facial features such as the distance between the eyes and the shape of the nose to identify individuals accurately. Voice recognition analyzes an individual’s vocal patterns and tones to grant access.
Behavioral Biometrics with Keystroke Dynamics and Gait Analysis
Biometric authentication extends beyond physical traits to encompass behavioral characteristics as well. Keystroke dynamics, for example, focuses on analyzing the rhythm and timing of an individual’s typing patterns, while gait analysis studies the unique walking patterns of individuals. These behavioral biometric techniques add an extra layer of security by verifying users based on how they interact with devices rather than just their physical attributes.
Security Concerns
Biometric authentication is not without its vulnerabilities. While biometric data cannot be lost or stolen like traditional passwords, it can be compromised. For instance, cybercriminals could bypass fingerprint scanners using high-resolution photos of fingerprints. To combat these threats, businesses need to implement strong security measures such as:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Encryption
- Continuous monitoring
The Future of Biometric Security
Biometric authentication and security are indispensable tools for businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture. By leveraging individuals’ unique physical and behavioral characteristics, biometric solutions provide a reliable way to control access to sensitive information and devices. With the right security measures in place, businesses can harness the power of biometrics while safeguarding their data against potential threats.
How Does Biometric Security And Authentication Work
At the most basic level, you need two things to verify an individual’s identity with a biometric identifier:
- A way to collect or measure the desired characteristic
- A record of that characteristic is needed to compare your measurements.
To automate the biometric authentication process, modern biometric systems typically require three steps:
- A physical measurement device that reads or scans the biometric characteristic you’re using to authenticate a person.
- Software that translates a biometric scan into a digital format and compares it to the record of that biometric characteristic.
- A stored record of that biometric characteristic that the software can compare the new scan to to verify a person
Protecting Against Data Breaches and Account Takeovers
At Anonybit, we help companies prevent data breaches and account takeover fraud with our decentralized biometrics system design. With a decentralized biometrics solution, companies can enable passwordless login, wire verification, step-up authentication, and help desk authentication. We aim to protect companies from data breaches, account takeover and synthetic identity fraud.
To achieve this goal, we offer security solutions such as:
- Secure storage of biometrics and PII data
- Support for the entire user lifecycle
- 1:1 biometric authentication and 1:N biometric matching to prevent duplicates, synthetics and blocklisted identities
Anonybit eliminates the tradeoffs between privacy and security. Prevent data breaches, enable strong authentication to eliminate account takeovers, and enhance the user experience across the enterprise using Anonybit.
Book a free demo today to learn more about our integrated identity management platform.
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7 Common Biometric Authentication Methods Used In Security
1. Fingerprint/Palm Print Biometrics
One of the most common biometric characteristics today is fingerprint and palm print biometrics. The patterns found on a person’s fingers are unique and already used to verify smartphone users.
This biometric method works by scanning and analyzing the unique patterns on a person’s fingers to verify their identity. Due to their effectiveness and reliability, fingerprint and palm print biometrics are widely used in various security and authentication systems.
2. Facial Recognition Biometrics
Facial recognition biometrics involve using a person’s face to verify their identity. Research shows that an individual’s face is unique when measured in sufficient detail and, therefore, is effective for accurately identifying them.
Face recognition algorithms are continuously being improved to enhance their accuracy. Although face recognition technology is less effective in identifying darker-skinned individuals, companies are addressing this issue and improving the technology.
3. Behavioral Biometrics
Behavioral biometrics use patterns in an individual’s behavior, such as:
- Keystroke patterns
- Computer mouse movements
- Other behavioral characteristics like a user’s physical location
This biometric method can provide an additional layer of security by analyzing unique behavior patterns associated with an individual. It is particularly useful in detecting unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities based on changes in behavior.
4. Voice Biometrics
Voice biometrics are based on the unique characteristics of a person’s voice. A person’s voice is distinct, making voice recognition systems 90% accurate on average. This biometric method is commonly used in voice authentication systems, where the unique voice patterns of individuals are analyzed to verify their identity. Voice biometrics provide a convenient and secure way to authenticate users using their voice as a form of identification.
5. Hand Geometry Biometrics
Hand geometry biometrics utilize the unique characteristics of a person’s hand for identification purposes. Hand geometry has been used to identify individuals since the 1960s, making it a well-established biometric method.
While hand geometry is unique to each person, using it as the sole identification method has some limitations. Despite this, hand geometry biometrics remain a reliable and effective means of authentication.
6. Iris Biometrics
Iris biometrics are similar to retina biometrics but use the unique patterns of a person’s iris for identification. Research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) indicates that iris scans are highly accurate, with a 90-99% success rate.
Iris biometrics are widely used in security and authentication systems due to their reliability and precision in verifying individual identities. This biometric method offers a robust and secure way to authenticate users based on their iris patterns.
7. Vein Recognition Biometrics
Vein recognition biometrics, or vascular biometrics, uses subdermal vein patterns to identify individuals. This biometric method is considered one of the most accurate technologies currently available. Researchers have demonstrated that vein recognition systems are susceptible to attacks, such as using a wax hand to mimic vein patterns. Despite this vulnerability, vein recognition biometrics remain a highly effective and reliable means of authentication.
Each of these ten biometric characteristics offers unique advantages and applications in authentication and security systems. From fingerprint and palm print biometrics to DNA biometrics, these methods provide reliable and effective ways to verify user identities and enhance overall security measures. As technology advances, biometric security solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and robust, offering enhanced protection against unauthorized access and identity fraud.
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How Does Biometrics Enhance Security And Convenience
Uniqueness and Accuracy
Biometrics rely on distinct features such as fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial geometry. These traits are unique to each person, making it difficult for impostors to replicate or forge them. Unlike passwords or PINs, which can be forgotten or shared, biometric data remains consistent and accurate.
Robust Layer of Security
Biometric authentication provides a robust layer of security. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, especially in critical areas like data centers, airports, or government facilities.
For instance, airports use biometric scans (such as facial recognition) to verify passengers’ identities during boarding, enhancing overall security.
Convenience and Speed
Biometrics eliminates the need to remember complex passwords or carry physical tokens. Users can simply present their biometric data (e.g., fingerprint or face) for authentication. Imagine a scenario where employees can access their workplace by scanning their fingerprints at the entrance, streamlining the process and saving time.
Reduced Fraud and Identity Theft
Biometric identifiers are difficult to counterfeit. Criminals cannot easily replicate someone’s fingerprint or retina pattern. By implementing biometric security, financial institutions can reduce fraudulent activities related to account access or transactions.
User-Friendly Experience
Biometrics offers a seamless and intuitive experience. Users appreciate the simplicity of placing their finger on a sensor or looking into a camera. Mobile devices now commonly feature fingerprint scanners or facial recognition, making it effortless for users to unlock their phones or authorize payments.
Multi-Modal Biometrics
Combining multiple biometric modalities (e.g., fingerprint and voice recognition) further enhances security. It also makes it more convenient for users to authenticate if one biometric modality fails to authenticate.
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Book A Free Demo To Learn More About Our Integrated Identity Management Platform
At Anonybit, we help companies prevent data breaches and account takeover fraud with our decentralized biometrics technology. With our decentralized biometrics framework, companies can enable passwordless login, wire verification, step-up authentication, help desk authentication, and more.
Comprehensive Security Solutions for Companies
We aim to protect companies from data breaches, account takeovers, synthetic identity on the rise, privacy regulations, and digital transformation. To achieve this goal, we offer security solutions such as:
- Secure storage of biometrics and PII data
- Support for the entire user lifecycle
- 1:1 authentication and 1:N matching for lookups and deduplication
Balancing Privacy and Security with Anonybit’s Integrated Platform
Anonybit eliminates the tradeoffs between privacy and security. Prevent data breaches, reduce account takeover fraud, and enhance the user experience across the enterprise using Anonybit. Book a free demo today to learn more about our integrated identity management platform.