While voice recognition software and fingerprint authentication have become familiar features of many personal devices, they will soon be seen as precursors for more advanced forms of biometric technology commonly used and accepted. Currently, advanced techniques in tracking the way a user swipes, taps, types, or clicks can provide valuable data in authenticating a user, or even detecting a hacker.
This is known as behavioural biometrics [1], and has become an increasing trend used by banks and retailers in order to authenticate digital users and provide increased security to their accounts. In the same way we each have a fingerprint that is unique to us, our physical movements – such as the angle to which we hold our devices, the pressure we use to tap and type, and how we swipe our fingers across a screen – also create a unique pattern that is not only detectable, but can communicate valuable information about us. These patterns are detected by sensors built into most smartphones, and analyzed by software. While passwords can easily be hacked, the physical behaviour of a person is incredibly difficult to replicate. This feature therefore creates an additional measure to protect users from stolen funds and identity theft.
However, concerns arise with the knowledge that companies using this technology are not yet required to disclose their employment of this feature to authenticate its users. This can become especially troublesome for users, as they will likely not be made aware that their valuable behavioural and biometric data is being collected, let alone how it will be used.
With dozens of vendors, including I.B.M., building behavioural biometrics into security software sold to banks and retailers, this technology promises increased security and convenience – but at what cost?
- What do you think about behavioural biometrics?
- Are you concerned about behavioural biometric data collection? Or, does increased security make you feel more protected?
- Do you agree with undisclosed collection of behavioural data?
Be sure to leave a comment in the discussion box with your thoughts.
For more information, check out these articles:
4 Important Factors of Biometrics in Banking
4 Ways Biometric Technology Will Change the Face of Financial Services
Banks and Retailers Are Tracking How You Type, Swipe and Tap
*Feature image used under CC BY 2.0 from Max Pixel
People said…