Across the world, biometric markers are slowly being introduced as authentication methods. Banking is one of the first industries that has embraced this authentication method, as it’s deemed more reliable than users remembering PIN numbers and account data. But what about biometrics for your mobile device, which stores a huge amount of your personal information?

From a product and integration perspective, biometrics require additional hardware and therefore additional cost and integration in a system. Most biometric readers (fingerprint, iris, face recognition, hand geometry, or voice recognition) are still somewhat unreliable. They can require multiple attempts or the need to register multiple sets of data (such as more than one finger).

If the biometric reader is built into your device, as in the iPhone Touch ID and some Android phones, how is the software securing the actual stored biometric (fingerprint or otherwise)?

Here are our reasons why biometrics are going to struggle to integrate into mainstream verification methods.

1. It’s unclear how biometric data is stored.

When your biometric data is stored, is it secure? HTC was dinged last year for storing easy-to-hack data files on certain devices. Encrypting data is highly recommended and worthwhile. However, encrypting your biometric data is not the foolproof way of protecting its content if stored in a device or system. It can still be hacked — and then what?

2. Once hacked, you can’t change your fingerprint.

While many people are concerned about identity theft of personal information like Social Security numbers, financial information and healthcare data — fingerprints and other biometric data are simply irreplaceable. For enterprise cybersecurity, corporations need secure authentication methods to protect important data and customer information. Technology like RecordVault from Cyber Solutions Technologies allow you to change your software credentials at any time.

3. Submission and storage of biometric data violates personal rights. Submitting biometric information feels invasive to many users. And few trust the data storage methods. A February 2016 Pew Research Center poll showed that few Americans feel confident that their personal records will remain secure, across industries. There is growing discontent and distrust about companies, governments and third-party vendors misusing biometric data for other purposes, especially location tracking and purchase history. In a CIGI-Ipsos 2014 survey of 22,671 people, 74% of users are concerned about companies monitoring online activities and then selling that information for commercial purposes.

For further mobile cybersecurity

Focusing on enterprise mobile cybersecurity, Cyber Solutions Technologies offers patented cybersecurity software authentication (3-factor) solutions for your business. This software enables employees to protect corporate data and safely carry their own personal files and records on their mobile devices.

This technology is immediately available for cross-platform integration and will help secure a digital footprint when accessing mobile devices in public wi-fi spots, while traveling and on unfamiliar networks.

Where do you see the future of biometrics in America? Sound off in the comments. For more information about Cyber Solutions Technologies, email rickw@cybersolutionstek.com.

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