Biometrics has become such a buzzword in the security system sector. Whether it is smartphones, smart homes, or even airports and corporate offices, these systems have been touted as futuristic, secure, and efficient. However, although biometrics can be viewed as innovative and secure technology, it is still surprising to learn some facts that most users find unpredictable.
We uncover five outrageous truths about biometric access control systems that must alter your perception of biometric access control systems. So, if you are a tech geek, a business owner, or a simple reader who is wondering what is so unusual about biometrics, be sure this is the hidden side of biometrics you are going to explore.
The Growing Role of Biometrics in Security
We can now try to understand what the term, biometric access control means before we actually go into the facts. In easy terms, such systems require singular biological features, namely fingerprints, iris architectures, face, or even voice recognition to prove identity. These characteristics are difficult to duplicate, thus making biometrics almost a default mechanism when it comes to high-security settings.
Although this might appear to be an ideal replacement for keys and passwords, there is more than meets the eye. These are five facts that could knock your socks off.
Surprising Facts About Biometric Control Systems
Here are some shocking facts about biometric access control systems that you might not know:
Biometric Data Can Be Hacked, And It’s Irreplaceable
It is a common sense and opinion that biometric systems cannot be hacked. Unfortunately, this is not so. The biometric data can be stolen, even though people can hardly copy a fingerprint or retina of the person, but unlikely to replicate the data stored on centralized databases.
There is no way to change your fingerprint or retina, it should be known so unlike a password. That brings a breach of biometrics into a new category of a breach more serious than a simple hack.
In 2015, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management suffered a huge data breach, and more than 5.6 million fingerprints were taken. This event revealed a bitter pill that biometric systems are not invulnerable, and once they break, it is forever.
Environmental Factors Can Disrupt Accuracy
One may think that his or her fingerprint or face will never be denied recognition- it is his/her face, isn’t it? Not exactly. Environmental factors such as dirt, cuts, sweat, lighting, or even changes in temperature can disrupt how accurately your traits are read. For example:
- Cold weather can affect fingerprint sensors.
- Bright or dim lighting may confuse facial recognition cameras.
- Dust or water on a fingerprint scanner can cause misreads.
Biometric Systems Can Be Biased and Discriminatory
Among the most disputed facts, there is one that says that it is possible that biometric technology might have some innate biases.
Researchers have found that the facial recognition algorithms perform better when identifying individuals with lighter skin than persons with darker skin. Indeed, research published in 2019 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) established that Asian and African-American faces had higher false positive rates on many facial recognition systems. This leads to:
- Misidentification
- Denied access
- Unequal treatment
Some Systems Use Behavioral Biometrics, And They’re Watching You Silently
Fingerprints and faces are not the only things with biometric access control systems. There is another lesser-known branch, which is behavioral biometrics that analyzes how you walk, how you move, how you type, or the way you hold your phone.
That means systems can track:
- Your typing rhythm
- Mouse movement
- Walking gait
- Phone tilt or swipe patterns
The outrageous thing is? They can be tracking you in a way that you are not aware of. Although it is made to enhance additional protection, it also distorts the boundary between privacy and surveillance.
Biometric Access Isn’t Always More Convenient
It is well-known how biometrics get rid of the problem of forgotten account passwords or lost keys. Ideally, this is fine, but in reality, it may not be the case.
Biometric systems can:
- Fail to recognize users due to minor changes (like a new haircut or bandaged finger)
- Be slower than traditional keycards in high-traffic areas.
- Be inaccessible during power outages or system downtimes.
Besides, the initial costs and training may be a burden to small organizations. There is the cost of purchasing scanners, the software, and even custom integration in some cases, not to forget the time taken before onboarding users.
Proceed with Caution and Awareness
The fact that biometric access control systems are revolutionary can not be refuted. Their security and personalization are better than those of passwords and PINs. But these five facts above show us a more complex image.
To summarize:
- Your biometric data can be hacked and is impossible to replace.
- Environmental conditions can cause recognition failures.
- Bias in facial recognition can lead to discrimination.
- Behavioral biometrics may compromise privacy.
- Biometrics aren’t always more convenient than traditional access methods.
Tips for Safe Use of Biometric Systems
- Prefer the systems with decentralized storage that can minimize the possibility of mass theft of data.
- Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA). Generate a combination of biometrics and another identification, such as a card or a PIN.
- Physical scanners must be well-maintained, and their hygiene should be maintained to prevent obstruction of machines.
- Choose vendors who have a good record of success in diversity, privacy, and security.
- Train users concerning the advantages of the system as well as its weaknesses.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the digital future is the biometric access control system. They are precise and personalized more than ever before. However, they like all technology; they, too, have caveats that people should be aware of.
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