Does the use of Biometrics Increase Security?

In recent decades there has been an explosion in the use of biometrics, in many situations where the use of biometric identification techniques is already possible. Usability is a very relevant factor. Another is privacy. There is a natural opposition to the prospect of creating a comprehensive centralized personal database. Companies need to be careful about how they implement their biometric authentication systems to prevent infringement of employee or customer privacy or improper display of confidential information. After all, it’s easy to issue a new password if the old one is tampered with, but impossible to give someone a new one. Biometric authentication uses human physical or Behavioural characteristics to digitally identify an individual to provide access to systems, devices or data. Examples of such biometric identifiers are fingerprints, facial patterns, voice or typing rhythm. Each of these identifiers is assumed to be unique to the individual and may be combined with other means of authentication to ensure greater accuracy in identifying users. Since biometrics can provide a reasonable level of confidence in the authentication of an individual, it has the potential to dramatically improve security. When computers and devices detect an authorized user’s fingerprints they can be automatically unlocked. Server room doors can open when they recognize the face of a trusted system administrator. The help desk system can automatically extract all relevant information upon recognition of an employee’s voice on the helpline. Most companies classify biometric authentication as “effective” or “very effective” in protecting identity data stored provincially and claim that it is effective in protecting data stored in the public cloud. Most of the companies are already using biometric authentication and rest are planning to implement it in the upcoming years.