Authentication is a form of security to protect information or to gain access to important resources. Many kinds of authentication methods have evolved as technology develops. Some of the major types include passwords, pins, captcha, and biometrics. Biometrics involves what you are, that is, iris scanning, face scanning, or fingerprint scanning.
Fingerprint scanning technology is a common secure method of authentication. It is being used in most of the common devices that you see around you and use daily. It is unique to an individual, thereby, making it more secure and more immune to hacking, compared with other forms of authentication.
Fingerprint authentication involves you putting your finger on a fingerprint scanner before accessing a resource or device. Initially, you must have registered your details so that during subsequent verifications, access is granted without stress. A user that doesn’t have their fingerprint registered, cannot gain access to such platforms or resources.
Benefits of Fingerprint Authentication
Majorly, fingerprints do not require trying to remember combinations of characters. They involve what a user is rather than possesses. This makes them unique and stand out. Even twins, identical or not, have different fingerprints.
More so, it is more convenient. This is because fingerprint authentication ways are faster as all the user has to do is place their finger on the biometric scanner or a fingerprint touch sensor. This improves user experience due to its seamless quality.
Fingerprints can be made available to many users because everyone has a specific fingerprint. The systems are hereby, more accurate. This authentication method can prove to be cost-effective. After the initial record of fingerprints that may require purchasing the needed biometric scanners, there are no additional expensive costs or purchases for maintenance.
Future Trends of Biometric Authentication
Biometrics have evolved and developed with modern technologies. Yet, it promises more in the coming future. Some examples like iris scanning, and voice and facial recognition verification methods have already been integrated into some applications successfully. All these are definitely increasing the overall performance of systems with biometrics authentication.
In different industries, future biometric innovations will bring more advancements and help increase accuracy and sensitivity. This will help to improve data capture of users, where the process is faster and more efficient. It will even help to capture clearer images, improving overall fingerprint recognition systems.
Other examples where biometrics authentication has helped are in devices like smartwatches. These watches can monitor a user’s vitals, like heart rate, pulse, sleep activities, and the like. This can help to detect health issues early and generally improve health.
Biometric authentication will be implemented and expanded in many more applications giving them more reliability and convenience at affordable prices. Examples are online payments, banking transactions, healthcare facilities, and border control.
Challenges of Fingerprint Authentication
Everything that has a pro definitely has a con. Fingerprint authentication is not left out. Here are some concerns users have had with it:
Dirt on a finger or injuries can cause fingerprints to be rejected on the touch sensor. This can lead to failure in authentication when a user tries to access an account. If there is also damage to the touch sensor, it can affect the accuracy of the verification. More so, due to damage to fingerprint systems, it can produce false acceptance or rejection.
Some users may still find it difficult to use fingerprints or they may just be reluctant to adapt to its use. This may be due to concerns about privacy, doubts, or hygiene. Other individuals with jobs that involve frequent contact with water may also find fingerprint authentication difficult to adapt to.
Despite the strong security, fingerprints may also have privacy issues whereby the stored data of a user may be exposed or at risk and can be accessed or misused by individuals who have not been authorized. There may be data breaches that will increase the need for backup safety measures. This is why fingerprints mostly have passwords, pins, or patterns as backups, especially on mobile devices.
Organizations that want to implement fingerprint authentication systems should consider its regulatory frameworks. It may vary depending on location. They should ensure that they comply with subsequent rules and regulations that have been put in place to protect users’ data privacy.
Conclusion
Lastly, fingerprint authentication is a secure form of authentication that uses an individual’s biometrics. They are unique to each person and are difficult to hack. It has evolved to capture clearer images and faster processing times.
However, despite its convenience and strong protection qualities, fingerprint authentication can present some limitations. These include some security and privacy vulnerabilities.
In addition, environmental factors like damage to touch sensors and injuries can affect the result of a fingerprint sensor.
If you want to implement fingerprint authentication systems for your company, be sure to do your proper research, know your needs, and use them accordingly.