Security within a business is more important now than ever before, especially as most things are being digitised and data security being a top concern. We largely rely on digital technology as it’s incorporated into almost everything we do. Whether that be banking or signing in at work, it’s very important that businesses protect their customers’ and employees’ data and private information. One of the most reliable ways to do this is through biometric authentication. This includes facial recognition, fingerprints or iris recognition. There are many benefits of utilising this software, such as it helps to prove identity, reduces the risk of passwords being stolen and securely grants access.
What are biometrics
Biometrics is an advanced piece of technology used to authenticate identities. It is becoming rapidly more popular, as a wide range of businesses are incorporating it into their systems and products. This technology uses sensors and video imaging, which captures each unique feature of a person’s face, fingerprint, retina or voice in great detail and compares it with known data. Due to these identifiers being so unique, only one individual can be identified against a database. Password-free authentication can be enhanced through this solution, boosting security and convenience. Biometric authentication is used in a range of applications, many people will already be familiar with this solution, including:
- Airport security
- Banking
- Phone unlocking
- Supermarkets
- Missing person
- Law enforcement
- Healthcare
- Building access
- School attendance
Types of biometrics
There are several different types of biometrics, all utilised in a slightly different way but with the sole purpose of authenticating a person’s identity. These include:
- Facial recognition: the software will scan a person’s face looking for unique features and measuring the distance between them. This may include the distance between a person’s chin and forehead, or simply the texture of their skin. The data will then be interpreted in a mathematical formula that is then analysed and the face will be identified on the database if there is a match.
- Fingerprint: fingerprint scanners capture the imprints and ridges of somebody’s finger, this will then be matched with a registered fingerprint on a list.
- Voice recognition: this uses the sounds of a human voice, uniquely identifying unique characteristics that help to authenticate a person’s identity instead of using a password or card.
- Iris recognition: this is a very secure solution of recognition, using infrared light to take images of a person’s eye. The melanin is transparent under infrared light allowing details to become visible, no matter the eye colour.
How biometrics can benefit business security
Biometrics helps to improve user convenience, it’s not transferable and one huge benefit is that it can boost security for businesses.
Prove identity
With biometric authentication, there is greater security when it comes to proving a person’s identity and verifying them, as the process ensures that only a person’s true identity will be confirmed and no one can try to pretend to be someone else. Whether making a payment or wanting access to a building, a physical component is needed, the person who is actually allowed access. This type of solution provides a great improvement over other authentication methods as some can be stolen, borrowed or sold. Biometrics not only grant access but also prove someone’s identity.
Securely grant access
This type of technology changes the way a company provides access to staff, contractors, visitors and customers. For example, staff in a building will only be granted access to offices if they are identified on a data server, if not they will not be allowed in a building. This helps to keep employees and staff members safe and reduces an opportunity for an intruder to enter the building. No longer will a person have to remember to bring an ID card or badge to enter a building but the use of recognition through face, fingerprint, voice or iris will ensure only the people who really are who they say they are will be granted access. A person’s identification will always be with them.
Allowing access to be streamlined reduces the need for human intervention and can also increase security for both managers and employees. Not only do biometrics grant a person access to a site, the systems can also track what time they arrive and leave, so that there are no disputes in how long a person has worked for. As well as limiting time theft, it can also reduce physical theft because if something is stolen it is clear who was in a particular place at the time. This will deter people from stealing or causing trouble, boosting onsite safety.
Improved customer experience
Not only is this technology beneficial for internal processes, but it can also improve a user experience and make it more safe. With a better and more secure system, customers will feel more inclined to use one business over another. Offering convenience through one secure verification process, allowing it to be virtual, saving energy and time. Customers and staff members will feel safer knowing that everyone is accounted for.
Improved accountability
For efficiency and ease, biometrics could be used instead of login information, such as passwords and memorable information. This helps to streamline workflows and ensure that all data is accurate. With this, employee activity and performance can easily be tracked and monitored. Employees can access this data through a portal showing their hours worked, this helps to improve confidence as there is less employee oversight. Employees and managers can clearly see when they are over and underperforming, helping to reduce security breaches and make auditing more effective.
Passwords can be stolen
Stolen passwords account for a large proportion of data breaches, meaning they are a large flaw in enterprises and personal security. However, utilising biometrics swaps unsafe passwords and ID cards for a simple and safe solution. No one can steal someone elses true identity through a fingerprint or facial recognition, so it eliminates the threat of a password being stolen and boosts access control, ensuring exact proof of identity.
Improved privacy
When it comes to personal data and safety, it is inevitable that consumers may be concerned; however, biometric solutions help to reduce that anxiety. It enhances privacy and reduces the chance of a data breach. Data will be securely stored and encrypted, giving employees, businesses and customers peace of mind.
Human error minimised
When using traditional methods, human error is often present and this can reduce business security. With one slight mistake a company could be at risk, with proper biometrics installed this risk decreases. Limiting any chances protects a business and keeps customers and employees safe. As well as this, it also boosts efficiency as there is less need for human interaction, speeding up the process.
After considering the above aspects, it is clear that biometrics have many benefits in improving a businesses security.