If you’ve ever used your fingerprint or face to open an app or phone, you’ve used biometric technology.
Biometric technology uses unique physical and biological characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice patterns, to authenticate a user’s identity.
These special characteristics can be used to authenticate a user across various platforms and due to the rise in internet use, so has the use of biometrics as a security measure [1].
The use of biometric technology offers significant benefits and rewards. Users don’t have to worry about remembering passwords, codes, etc, or misplacing physical keys as the biometric key is always with the user. It also makes it more difficult for a biometric key such as your fingerprint to be stolen when compared to a physical key that can be misplaced or stolen easily. However, the question remains: is biometric technology the future of online security?
In this article, we will explore the cons of biometric technology.
One of the primary concerns with biometric technology is its reliability. While biometric authentication methods are generally considered more secure than traditional passwords, there is still a possibility of error. The system can fail to recognise a legitimate user or mistakenly identify an impostor as an authorized user. In some cases, biometric authentication systems can be fooled by high-quality replicas of fingerprints or facial features [2].
Another issue with biometric technology is the risk of data breaches. the systems store a large number of data and if this data is breached at any time, it can lead to huge losses and consequences [2]. The storage and transmission of biometric data require high levels of security to prevent unauthorized access. If biometric data is compromised, the impact can be severe since biometric identifiers cannot be easily changed, unlike passwords. A hacker gaining access to biometric data could potentially impersonate the individual, gaining access to their financial accounts, medical records, and other sensitive information.
Privacy concerns are also a significant drawback of biometric technology. Users may be uncomfortable with their physical characteristics being stored and shared by organizations. There is a risk that biometric data could be collected without the individual’s knowledge or consent, leading to potential violations of privacy. Additionally, the misuse of biometric data could result in discriminatory practices, such as profiling based on physical characteristics [3].
Accessibility is another concern with biometric technology. Not all individuals can use biometric authentication methods due to physical disabilities or medical conditions. For example, individuals with hand injuries or amputations may be unable to use fingerprint scanners. Additionally, some individuals may not have the required hardware, such as a camera or microphone, to use facial recognition or voice recognition technology.
Finally, biometric technology raises ethical concerns about the use of personal information. Biometric data is uniquely personal, and its collection and use can be seen as invasive. Users may feel that they have little control over their data and how it is used. Additionally, using biometric technology by law enforcement and other government agencies can lead to concerns about surveillance and abuse of power.
In conclusion, while biometric technology offers a promising solution to the problem of online security, it also presents several significant drawbacks that must be considered. The reliability, security, privacy, accessibility, and ethical concerns surrounding biometric technology must be addressed before it can become a widespread solution to online security. As with any technology, the benefits and drawbacks must be carefully weighed before implementing it, and organizations must ensure that users are fully informed and their rights are protected.
References
[1]https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/biometrics
[3]https://www.softwaresecured.com/risks-and-benefits-of-biometrics-in-security/