Biometric Authentication Is The Key To Digital Identity
With the internet playing an increasingly significant role in our daily lives, the need to verify who we say we are, has led to the rise of the “digital identity”. Our digital presence now commonly extends to work, socializing and study, not to mention financial activities such as banking and shopping. As a result, security is an essential consideration, yet the current model is proving to be unfit for purpose. By entering our details again and again, each of us has developed a digital identity, comprising a collage of our sensitive personal data. And, if this data is not securely held by the organizations that collect it, we could find ourselves at significant risk. A new and efficient approach is required to provide global security and peace of mind for consumers.
How Biometric Authentication Can Support Digital Identity Security
Consumers are already familiar with biometric authentication: it has been used successfully in smart phones and tablets for a number of years and has shown to be easy to use, convenient, and reliable. This technology can hold the key to the development of highly secure digital identities, hence eliminating the risk of a data breach. Rather than having our sensitive personal data stored in the cloud by a range of organizations, personal information is encrypted and safely stored on a smart card unlocked by individual and unique fingerprints.
This means that rather than facing concerns that their data may be sold on or misused by online third parties, consumers are squarely in control. Furthermore, unlike passwords and PINs which may be hacked, a fingerprint being unique to each individual is therefore impossible to forge. The result is a method of authentication that is quick, convenient (simply place the fingerprint to the sensor in order to verify user identity), and highly versatile, making it ideal for use as a globally trusted proof of digital identity.
A Versatile Approach
Indeed, authentication technology based on biometrics is as practical as it is effective, with a wide range of potential uses. In addition to using fingerprint sensor chips in payment cards, it can also be used in any other situation where stringent authentication of identity is required. This includes accessing Government services, such as passports, tax records, or welfare benefits, and creating streamlined healthcare systems, in which all appointments, records and insurance can be securely linked.
Such an authentication method is also ideal for signing in securely to digital streaming platforms, email, and social media accounts, as well as providing safe interaction with IoT (Internet of Things) devices. In addition to allowing customers to securely buy or make transfers of money digitally, this technology can also be applied to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) and cryptocurrencies.
Building Trust Globally
Biometric authentication is already being recognized globally as an effective way of creating secure digital identities, with countries such as Canada and Singapore leading the way and adopting this reliable, convenient approach. The chain of trust that this verification method provides makes it ideal for an increasingly global, digital world, and sets us all up for a more secure digital future.
