What is a Biometric Technology and What are the Various Biometric Methods?
We are all in the age of digital times and disruptive technologies. Like the money that we send, receive, and custody, everything has to undergo security, and it is our highest priority there comes the need for biometric technology. The other side of the world is always fighting fraudulent activities, data hacking, malicious attacks, and what not?
Technology is both good and bad! Now, what does that mean? Do we stop using digital technology in our day-to-day lives? Or stop conducting online transactions, or say no to disruptive technologies?
Absolutely no! From banking to online shopping, businesses have always integrated security first. They take good care of customer’s security to ensure their identity or data privacy is never compromised.
With the growing technology, we have rapidly expanding security measures too. Like the swift digitizing of payments, we have faster and convenient verification and authentication technology.
Think of Biometric Technology
Biometric authentication means the verification method uses a person’s biometric features, like their biological and physical characteristics that are unique with no duplication available in the database.
If a person has used the biometric features to protect their smartphone, then whenever they want to unlock their phone, the features need to be matched to the database fed to the software. Otherwise, the access will be declined.
The biometric authentication method is found in smartphones, devices, online verifications, etc. It is also seen in the physical environment, like controlling the gates and doors.
The usage of biometric authentication methods has rapidly increased in the past years. It is used by government and private organizations to protect confidential data or users’ information.
In airports, military bases, and national borders, we see the biometric being significantly used.
What are the various types of Biometric Authentication?
Fingerprint Scanners
It is neither required to explain what fingerprint scanning is. Fingerprint scanners are found in our daily lives. Like you unlock your phone with a fingerprint scanner. It is the most common and popular biometric method.
Fingerprint scanners record the unique swirls and ridges of the user. This one of the secure methods because not even twin siblings have the same fingerprints on their hands. This is highly safe and reliable.
Currently, the fingerprint scanners are assessing the vascular patterns on their latest version. However, it is not a fool-proof method. It has its own risks and shortcomings involved.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition technology is already existing on smartphones. The facial recognition method uses face features to grant access to the user. It measures the faceprints, recognizes the face, and then unlocks the device if it is matched.
However, there are several defects to this method. It faces a challenge in comparing faces from different angles, and it cannot differentiate between people with similar appearances.
Voice Identification
Voice recognition or identification is based on the speaker’s throat and mouth. The voice identification technology uses a person’s voice, creates a voice profile by collecting numerous data points. Based on the sound quality and shape of the voice, it provides access to the device.
But when there’s a change in the user’s voice quality, it might be challenging to use the voice identification method. Besides, it also eliminates the security threats posed by voice imitation.
Eye Scanners
The technology has gone so far that it could even recognize the retina of a human being. There are mainly two types of eye scanners available now. One is a retina scanner, and the other is an iris recognition scanner.
In the retina scanner, a bright light is projected towards the eye, which forms blood vessel patterns’ visibility. These patterns are searched in the database to match and provide access to the user.
Whereas the iris scanner looks for patterns in the colored ring present around the pupil of the eye. This scans the patterns to authenticate the entry.
Need not mention, of course. Eye scanners still need to be accurate. They cannot detect unauthorized logins. Like even a photograph or a contact lens can also be used to gain access.
Conclusion
Well, biometric technology is growing continuously and upgrading every day to make it more secure and flexible for all the usages. Biometric authentication methods have always been useful for digital payments or any other financial or banking applications. However, the hundred percent accuracy is still yet to land!