Identity management is the concept and process of actively identifying and authenticating an individual seeking authorization to access an exclusive network or information. The concept of identity management has never been more emphasized upon than it is today. The increased threat of cyber theft has led to radical identity management procedures targeting keeping out cybercriminals.
Among the most advocated methods of identity management include the use of biometrics as an exclusive way of identifying an individual uniquely. Biometrics have, for some time, been regarded as a foolproof method of securing personal information and gadgets since an individual’s biometric profile cannot be replicated by another. Recent research, however, has revealed that biometric methods of securing personalized data are rigged with fatal flaws which can pose three major risks.
Biometrics lack privacy
Biometric methods of authentication are not as private as they are deemed to be. As opposed to passwords, biometric features such as iris, fingerprints, and palm prints are visible by everyone and can even be illegally obtained by malicious persons taking photographs of facial features and hands of persons of interest. The fact that one cannot hide their face, eyes, and fingers from the public domain makes biometric authentication and security measures highly vulnerable. This is as opposed to using passwords that are generally known to an exclusive individual unless willfully shared.
Biometrics can be hacked into
The use of biometric authentication features can be hacked into. Contrary to many people’s belief and knowledge, advanced hackers can obtain an individual’s biometric features including fingerprint profiles among other features and consequently illegally and maliciously use them. Hacking into biometric features of individuals does not need much tech knowledge. Reports have previously surfaced that personal biometric features were hacked by using high-resolution photographs of fingers, face, and palms. Mobile phones that are secured using an individual’s facial profile can also be maliciously unlocked when hackers place a high resolution photograph of the owner in front of the screen.
Biometrics are irreplaceable once hacked
Personal biometric features, once hacked into, are difficult to secure again. The fact that an individual cannot change his or her fingerprint patterns makes it highly impossible to restore security for such devices. This is as opposed to using passwords which can be changed upon compromise.
Biometric authentication and security measures have, for long, been thought to be foolproof. However, the increased witty of hackers has led to a revelation that biometric security can fail, often with irreversible consequences.
Dil Bole Oberoi
