How can you balance security and convenience with biometric authentication?

The other benefits biometric authentications bring are: - Auditability- Biometric authentication systems can provide audit logs of user access attempts, helping organizations track and monitor who accessed specific systems and when. - Reduced Helpdesk Load: Biometric authentication can reduce the load on helpdesk and support teams that often deal with password reset requests and account lockouts. Non-Transferable: Biometric traits are tied to the individual and cannot be easily transferred or shared. This makes it difficult for attackers to use stolen biometric data on other devices.

Balancing security and convenience with biometric authentication involves implementing robust security measures while ensuring ease of use. Firstly, employ multi-factor authentication alongside biometrics for added security layers. Ensure biometric data is encrypted and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access. Implement continuous monitoring for unusual activities. Additionally, provide alternative authentication methods for users in case of biometric failure or concerns over privacy. Regularly update systems to address emerging security threats and user feedback. Collaborate with experts to stay abreast of advancements in biometric technology and security protocols.

The other challenges of biometric authentication, which should be addressed in the security architecture design are - - Data Retention Policies: It is important to establish policies for retaining biometric data and templates. In many cases, it's advisable to retain minimal information and to anonymize data whenever possible to reduce the impact of potential breaches. - Adaptive Authentication: Implement adaptive authentication mechanisms that assess the risk level based on contextual factors, user behavior, and device information. This can trigger additional authentication steps when suspicious activities are detected.

Some other points to add are: - Fallback Mechanisms: Have contingency plans for users who may experience difficulties with biometric authentication, such as providing temporary access codes or PINs. - Enrollment Process: Ensure the enrollment process is secure, using controlled environments and verified hardware to capture biometric data. Authenticate the user's identity during enrollment to prevent unauthorized template injection. - Continuous Monitoring and Auditing: Monitor biometric authentication logs and audit trails for unusual activity or potential security breaches. Regularly review system performance and accuracy, making necessary adjustments as needed.

If you are a biometric authentication supplier/vendor: - make sure that biometric data stays on and never leaves the device, and - make sure that biometric data is only stored on the TPM of the device. Everyone else: - only use well established and standardised protocols for biometric authentication. Check your sources and don't bother writing your own protocols.

The caution I have for the biometric and identity initiatives underway is simple: They all ride atop infrastructure and devices; and those are being summarily targeted at the device/firmware/supplychain levels. An actor operating at these levels circumvents all other security controls, and has omnipotence to modify or bypass authentication schemas and applications riding atop the hardware / infra. Strong and convenient bio auth remains only as effective as the security of the devices it runs on. "Who" is less important than "What", in this regard.