Biometric security measures are becoming more commonplace. Biometric data is quickly becoming the safest and most effective way of adding another layer of security to your devices. However, this doesn't mean you should relax your safety protocols simply because you use biometric data. According to a study by ExpressVPN, biometric data, similar to passwords, contrary to popular belief are not hack proof. We as users must maintain our state of awareness when dealing with authentication.
How are Biometrics used in Cybersecurity?
Biometrics are used in a variety of ways when it comes to cybersecurity. Thumbprint, facial, and voice recognition are all biometric security measures for your own devices. When equipped with biometric security like these, your device will only allow the person with those features to log in and use the device. For companies that are dealing with sensitive information, biometric data allows employees to work without the risk of losing physical authentication.
Biometric data isn't only used for security on personal devices, though. In today's age, you'll find many high-security locations have biometric security programs running through their surveillance systems. In this instance, your facial features and even your walk identify you on camera. You may have little to worry about from such security measures, but known terrorists and those on most-wanted lists may be identified using such tools.
The Benefits and Disadvantages of Biometrics
Biometrics brings improved security and creates added convenience when using your own devices. There's no need to remember passwords or spend time typing in verification codes when your device instantly recognizes your face or fingerprint.
However, biometrics doesn't come without risks. Not only is there a potential for biometrics to infringe on civil liberties, but compromised biometric data poses a much more significant problem than a compromised password. If someone has gained unauthorized access to an account, device, or has stolen a password, you can change passwords and open new accounts. While this may be inconvenient and even expensive, it's not nearly the same as having someone steal biometric data.
If your biometrics are compromised, someone can literally impersonate you. Worse, there is no easy way to change that biometric data. Passwords are far easier to change than fingerprints, after all.
While your biometric data can be taken and used against you, it's also possible to fool biometric cybersecurity. Through the use of facial prosthetics, makeup, and tactics used to obscure the face from camera view, biometric security may not correctly identify users.
Protecting Your Biometric Data
As we trend away from traditional passwords, now is the time to think about how you can protect your identity as we move into the future.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can start taking now to ensure your biometric data remains yours alone.
For starters, now's the time to begin being discerning about who you share your biometric information with. Make sure you're working with established and reputable companies that can be trusted with your fingerprint or other biometric data. If you do have copies of your fingerprints, ensure they're adequately stored where they can't be accessed without permission.
While biometrics are the wave of the future, there may be times when it's worth choosing to use alternative proof of identification. This may require more work up front, like presenting certain documents to your employer, the school you attend, or government-issued identifications. However, you'll then be relying on a card instead of stored biometric data to confirm your identity.
You probably already use multi-factor authentication, and there's no need to stop just because we're moving toward using biometric security measures. MFA continues to act as an additional layer of protection and helps prevent your biometrics and accounts from becoming fully compromised should they fall into the wrong hands.
You may also want to consider using a VPN for the everyday protection of sensitive data moving through your network and devices. VPNs can easily be installed on individual devices and are particularly useful when having to use public networks.
Cybersecurity of the Future
Biometric security continues to establish itself with cybersecurity developments and with a few precautionary steps, you can better protect your data. To help mitigate the security risks, users should maintain a level of diligence when it comes to handling passwords, biometric data or MFA information.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
