In the ever-changing security landscape, authentication plays a central role, and one of the most intriguing developments in recent years is the widespread adoption of biometrics. Initially reserved for federal applications, biometric technology has permeated everyday security systems. This article explores the definition of biometrics, its impacts, dangers and benefits, focusing on its growing importance in the field of cybersecurity.

First, what is biometrics?

Biometrics, in the context of security, refers to personally identifiable information (PII) that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate an individual. Unlike traditional authentication methods such as passwords, biometrics rely on distinctive physical or behavioral characteristics inherent to each person, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to imitate or duplicate.

Thus, biometric systems can be classified into two types: physical biometrics and behavioral biometrics. Physical biometrics uses characteristics such as facial features, fingerprints, iris patterns, retina scans and voice recognition. On the other hand, behavioral biometrics relies on activity patterns, including keyboarding and voice typing, for example.

The use of biometric authentication has grown considerably in recent years, providing an additional layer of security and ensuring the rigorous identification of individuals. This revolutionary adaptation has become a new standard, with a 90% increase in its use over the last five years.

Biometric data is commonly used to access information on devices such as smartphones, but its applications go beyond simple authentication. Law enforcement uses biometrics in criminal identification systems, while healthcare integrates it into national ID cards and health insurance programs for identification purposes.

The advantages of all this…

Biometrics offer several advantages, including that they are difficult to forge or steal, are easy and convenient to use, and eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords. Additionally, biometric authentication is non-transferable, reducing the risk of proxy use and unauthorized access.

and therefore, the inconveniences…

While biometrics improve security, they have notable drawbacks. Implementing a biometric system can be expensive, and failure to capture all necessary biometric data can result in identification failures. Biometric databases are susceptible to hacking, and errors such as false rejections and acceptances can still occur. User injuries can also render biometric systems ineffective, raising privacy concerns.

As biometrics become an integral part of modern security systems, it is crucial to understand the benefits and risks. Although it improves authentication and provides some convenience, the potential for breaches and privacy issues requires careful consideration during its implementation and continued development. As technology advances, balancing security and user privacy remains a crucial challenge for our society.