EXPERT OPINION
Biometrics : The cornerstone of secure digital identities
Biometric technology is responsible for shaping the future of digital identity as well as making great strides in creating efficiencies in cybersecurity . John Cullen , Strategic Marketing Director Digital Identity at Thales , explores the expansive benefits of biometric technology and how it acts as a key enabler for digital identity and its applications in various sectors .
John Cullen , Strategic Marketing Director Digital Identity at Thales igital IDs – electronic
D certificates used to represent and authenticate users ’ identity – are an emerging technology set to transform countless touchpoints in our lives . From banking , retail , travel , voting , law enforcement and online services – the potential use cases are vast . And they ’ re on track for a huge growth trajectory in years to come ; over the next few years the number of users of digital IDs is predicted to increase by more than 50 % from 4.2 billion in 2022 to 6.5 billion in 2026 .
Biometrics , the use of unique physical or behavioural characteristics for identification and authentication , play a crucial role in the advancement of digital identity , allowing for a safe , secure and streamlined identity verification process for all involved .
Here are the ways in which biometrics are a key enabler for digital identity and its applications in various sectors :
Enhancing security and authentication
Biometric authentication relies on unique physical or behavioural traits ; the most used being fingerprints , facial features , iris patterns , or voice . These distinctive characteristics are difficult to forge , making biometrics a robust security measure for verifying digital identities . Unlike traditional passwords or PINs that can be stolen , biometric data cannot be replicated easily , enhancing protection against identity theft and unauthorised access .
Efficient travel with digital ID passports
For the travel industry that relies heavily on physical verification , biometricenabled authentication processes are a natural solution to this . Indeed , biometrics , such as facial recognition or fingerprints , are utilised in digital ID passports to streamline travel processes . For instance , American Airlines ’ Mobile ID product app combines travel credentials with passport information , allowing passengers to skip queues at all checkpoints and lounges . Prechecks done before arriving at the airport enhance efficiency , reducing wait times at security , bag drop and passport control . www . intelligentciso . com
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