More than 70% of Americans have already used biometric technology in one form or another. Biometrics authentication technologies like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, for example, are now widely used in the U.S.
However, although these technologies are increasingly common, many businesses haven’t widely adopting them. In fact, numerous businesses are facing cyber security debts, according to industry security groups.
The problem is that biometric authentication offers numerous benefits. This form of technology can reduce manual errors, protect businesses against deep fakes, and help to prevent emerging cyberattacks.
Ultimately, businesses should absolutely find ways to integrate biometrics into their identity security stacks. This guide explores how biometrics is changing the industry, and what businesses can do to prepare.
Why Is Biometrics ID Verification Important?
The importance of biometric identity verification for businesses lies in its ability to provide enhanced security, foster compliance with regulatory requirements, improve customer experiences, and prevent fraud in an increasingly digital world.
Businesses that adopt these technologies sooner will be better prepared for new and emerging cyber threats.
Some of the best reasons to consider biometric age verification in 2023 include:
- Rise in Cybersecurity Threats: As cyber threats continue to evolve, traditional methods of identity verification like passwords and security questions are insufficient. Biometrics provide a more secure method of verification that is much harder for malicious actors to fake or steal.
- Digital Transformation: Businesses across all industries are experiencing an increase in online transactions and interactions. This necessitates robust identity verification protocols. Biometrics can provide a secure, user-friendly way for websites to verify ages and identities.
- Remote Work: The shift to remote work has created a need for secure, digital identity verification methods. Biometrics can help ensure that the person accessing a system remotely is indeed who they claim to be.
- Regulatory Compliance: Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the US have stringent requirements for data security, which can be met more effectively with biometric verification.
- Technological Advancements: Advances in technology have made biometric systems more accurate, reliable, and affordable, leading to increased adoption.
- User Experience: Biometric verification can provide a seamless user experience. For example, using facial recognition or a fingerprint scan can be quicker and easier than remembering and typing in a password.
- Fraud Prevention: Biometric verification can help prevent identity theft and fraud. For example, liveness detection can ensure that the person is physically present and not a photo, video, or mask.
In short, there are numerous benefits to AI and biometrics security systems. However, transitioning to new technologies does introduce risks that businesses should prepare for.
Infographic: Biometrics in Identity Verification
How to Choose a Secure Biometric ID Verification Solution
Here’s a tip: Don’t rush your company’s transition to new ID verification methods. Embracing solutions that haven’t been fully vetted can leave your business open to risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
How can you transition safely? Start with these tips for choosing biometric software into your ID security stack:
- Choose Reliable Technology: Not all biometric systems are created equal. Choose a system that is known for its accuracy and reliability like FTx Identity. It’s also important to choose a system that fits the specific needs of the business.
- Secure Storage: Biometric data is sensitive and should be stored securely. This can involve encryption, using secure servers, and following best practices for data security. Some systems also use techniques like hashing or tokenization to further secure biometric data.
- Privacy Compliance: Businesses should ensure they are compliant with all relevant privacy laws and regulations when using biometric data. This can involve obtaining informed consent from users, only collecting necessary data, and providing transparency about how the data is used.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Biometrics can be used as part of a multi-factor authentication system, where more than one method of verification is used. This can provide an additional layer of security. Choose a biometrics platform that will integrate with your existing processes.
- Regular Updates and Maintenance: Like any technology, biometric systems should be regularly updated and maintained to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.
Another option: Look for identity verification platforms that allow you to slowly introduce biometrics. For example, you might use selfie scanning with liveness detection as part of your AI ID verification process, before moving into more advanced functionalities like retenia scans.
Preparing Your Business for New ID Verification Solutions
For long-term success, new biometrics and security solutions require planning and in-depth training. Make sure your employees are aware of potential risks, let them know how the technology works, and provide detailed instructions for using these new solutions.
Employee Training
Employees should be trained on how to use the biometric system properly and how to handle biometric data securely. You should provide live demostration of these new technologies, and allow your employees to conduct mock customer ID checks with your new technology.
Risk Assessment and Management
Before, during and after you integrate biometrics in your company, be sure to conduct regular risk assessments. This will help you identity potential vulnerabilities in the biometrics system, and allow your company time to devise strategies for mitigrating these risks.
Partner with Experts
Especially for small and medium businesses, it might be beneficial to partner with a third-party provider who specializes in biometric technology and security. Need some help? Contact FTx Identity today to learn more about using this technology.
Make Your Business More Secure
The adoption of biometrics technology on the market grows each day. Soon, customers will demand these types of solutions, as they foster better privacy.
Your business can’t afford to generate a cybersecurity debt. Fortunately, FTx Identity offers a secure platform that’s user-friendly and equipped with the latest technologies.
Our customers use FTx Identity for:
- 3D Liveness detection
- Online store age verification for websites
- ID scanning and catching fake IDs (brick-and-mortar and online)
- Age verification (bars/nightclubs, liquor/tobacco retail, age-restricted events)
- And much more
Contact an FTx Identity security planner today to learn how your business can transition and reimagine your ID checking process.