How Biometrics Complements a Zero-Trust Architecture
In previous posts, we discussed the importance of the zero-trust security framework. A zero-trust architecture entrenches a “security first” culture within an organization, prioritizing the protection of the business’ data.
Enhance trust through biometrics
As an increasing number of businesses around the globe invest in multi-cloud technology, hosting their business data within a heterogenous architecture and benefiting from the flexibility and scale that the technology offers, the need to employ equally powerful security access protocols increases.
Over the last 12 months, up to 34.5% [1] of executives have reported that their organization’s financial and accounting data has been targeted by cybercriminals. It is likely that the advantages offered by the Internet of Things and increased use of AI technology will also present vulnerabilities to those businesses that are not prepared to counter the cyber threats posed.
The role of biometric authentication in a zero-trust architecture
Typically, zero-trust architectures embody sophisticated and multi-layered authentication methods to control access, and biometric authentication is well-suited to be incorporated into such a system [2]. Standard methods of access control have vulnerabilities: PIN codes can be guessed, intercepted or inadvertently communicated to unauthorized personnel and standard ID cards can be lost or stolen.
However, ID cards that rely on fingerprint-based credentials will continue to block unauthorized access, even if they fall into the wrong hands. With cybercrime anticipated to cost the world’s businesses $8 trillion this year alone [3], investing in the proven technology that can effectively block unauthorized access to sensitive business and financial data will make financial sense.
Periodic reviews of personnel security status are an essential component of data security, ensuring that an individual’s level of access remains commensurate with their need and the requirements of the employing organization. It also offers security experts the opportunity to ensure that the individual poses a low risk of extortion and that they remain appropriately stable to hold their access clearance.
Benefits and considerations when implementing biometric authentication
Incorporating biometric authentication into your zero-trust architecture will reduce the burden on staff to remember PIN codes and passwords and control precisely the level of access to which each individual is entitled.
By preventing malicious access to sensitive business data, it is likely that business reputation will see a correlative increase. The costs associated with recovery from a phishing or ransomware attack will also be avoided, representing value for money in upgrading the security of your system.
In conclusion
Incorporating biometrics into a zero-trust architecture accelerates and improves the verification process in a truly efficient manner.
Resources:
[2] https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Top-risks-of-deploying-zero-trust-cybersecurity-model
[3] https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-to-cost-the-world-8-trillion-annually-in-2023/
