Introduction

Technology advances every day. The volume of data around us is growing exponentially. In recent times, the protection of data and cybersecurity is more relevant than ever, so much so that the cybersecurity market has now been one of the most thriving and rapidly growing markets. Traditional methods of protection such as PINs, passcodes or passwords are now an exploit point for hackers as these forms of security can be exploited with ease using advanced software and techniques (such as Bruteforcing). Along with cybersecurity to prevent different types of threats, corporate companies are integrating a more accurate form of security known as Biometrics Authentication.

Definition of Biometrics Authentication

Biometrics is a form of advanced security recognition technology which uses body measurements and biological data of the user to authenticate and identify them. These measurements are then paired with the system’s pre-recorded biometric information. If there is a match, the system allows the user to access the protected data, server, or device.

Types of Biometrics Authentication

The first known biometric authentication protection was a fingerprint scanner. The first generation of fingerprint scanners were small machines that captured your fingerprint data to authenticate your identity. Fingerprint scanners have undergone several development cycles to form fingerprint sensors integrated into almost every smartphone and a significant part of mobile security.

With continuous innovations and upgrades in this field, biometric scans are now available in several forms such as:

• Facial recognition: As the name suggests, it recognizes based upon users face.
• Retina scans : As the name suggests, it recognizes based upon the retina of the users.
• Touch sensors: Primarily used in smartphones to recognize users by their touch and unlock automatically without requiring any passcodes of sorts.
• Biological biometrics: The user’s biological data, such as DNA, blood group, etc., can be used for biometric checkups for VISA applications, crime-solving etc.
• Behavioural biometrics: Patterns that are unique to everyone. For instance: sleeping schedule, voice, and walking style are variants of biometrics authentication that are specifically implemented in matching victim profiles for crime scenes.

Advantages of Biometric Authentication

Biometric is higher-order security protection. It may not be the best method of protection as biometric security does have a few specific drawbacks. However, the advantages of using biometrics authentication are:

• Better security and accessibility: Not only does it provide better security provision compared to conventional methods, it allows users to access information using data that they don’t have to remember, which is also one of the most prevalent reasons for the loss of data.
• Fast and convenient: Biometrics allows individuals to achieve high security and a seamless experience compared to other standard methods, which are more time-consuming.
• Accuracy: As biometric protection completely avoids any password related dilemma, biometric protection provides accurate security as everyone has unique biometric data which cannot be spoofed under normal circumstances.