Traditionally, people have used passwords to protect their online accounts from unauthorized access. However, passwords can be easy to forget or easy to guess, and they can be stolen by hackers who use various techniques. To address these issues, biometric authentication is emerging as the new standard for online security. Biometrics use unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to identify an individual and grant access to their accounts.
One of the advantages of biometric authentication is increased security. Biometric data is unique to each individual and cannot be duplicated or stolen in the same way that passwords can. Additionally, biometric authentication is faster and more convenient than typing in a password, making it more user-friendly.
Biometric authentication is already being used in many different applications. Biometric scanners are becoming more common in smartphones, and more online services are adopting biometric authentication methods. In fact, by 2021, it is projected that the number of people using biometric authentication methods will reach 2 billion globally.
However, there are concerns about privacy and the security of biometric data. Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, is highly personal and sensitive. If this data is stolen, it could be used to perform identity theft or other malicious activities. Additionally, there are concerns about how companies collect, store, and protect biometric data.
In conclusion, biometric authentication is quickly becoming the new standard for online security, but there are still concerns to be addressed. As biometric technology becomes more widespread, more attention needs to be paid to the privacy and security of biometric data.
References:
1. “Biometric Authentication Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Type, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025.” Grand View Research, August 2019, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biometric-authentication-market
2. Lindeman, Mark. “Biometric Authentication and the Future of Passwords.” RSA, February 2019, https://www.rsa.com/blog/2019-02/biometric-authentication-and-the-future-of-passwords
3. “Biometric Technology: Benefits, Risks, and Future Directions.” National Institute of Standards and Technology, December 2018, https://www.nist.gov/publications/biometric-technology-benefits-risks-and-future-directions.