Using biometric authentication safely

Biometric authentication is everywhere, and it’s not hard to see why – it’s fast, slick, and feels like we’re living in the future. Face unlock, fingerprint scans, voice recognition – these things make life easier, no question. So why does it feel risky? Simple: the stakes are high, and the media loves to hype up the fear factor. But let’s cut through the drama: biometric data is personal, but it’s not the ticking time bomb the media wants you to believe.

The truth is, with the right precautions, biometric authentication is more secure than most passwords or PINs. This article isn’t about scaring you with a bunch of worst-case scenarios; it’s about making sure you're using biometric security the right way so you can keep your data safe and still enjoy the convenience.

What makes biometrics secure (if done right)

Let’s face it, securing data today is a serious challenge. The personal information we share online – especially on social media – gives hackers a treasure trove of digital markers to exploit. A simple Instagram selfie, for instance, can reveal more biometric clues than some sophisticated security systems. While we might be quick to worry about the risks of face scans or fingerprints getting into the wrong hands, the truth is that when biometrics are stored and processed properly, they’re safer than many other forms of authentication. Here’s why:

• Liveness detection. Most biometric systems go beyond scanning your face or fingerprint. They also use liveness detection, which ensures you’re actually the one in front of the camera, not a photo or video of you.
• Storage and encryption. Secure storage and robust encryption are vital for protecting biometric data. If properly implemented, they keep this data safe from unauthorized access and ensure that even if data is compromised, it remains encrypted and unusable.

Ultimately, it’s not just about the tech; it’s about how we handle, store, and protect the data behind it. So, let’s dive into the key steps you can take to make sure these safeguards are implemented correctly and your biometric data stays secure.

Liveness detection

Imagine you lose your phone, and someone finds a high-quality photo of you online – think of your latest Instagram selfie. Without liveness detection, they could simply hold the photo up to your phone to unlock it. But with liveness detection active, that photo is useless.

It checks for signs of life, such as blinking, head movement, or even the warmth of your face, to confirm you’re real. Without this, your biometric data is vulnerable to spoofing.

There are two types of liveness detection: active and passive.

• Active detection requires you to perform an action, like blinking or moving your head, to prove you’re alive.
• Passive detection works quietly in the background, looking for subtle movements or changes in your face, such as the warmth of your skin or slight shifts in your features.

For example, iPhones (Face ID) use a combination of 3D scanning and blink detection. Android devices (such as Google Pixel or Samsung) rely on passive liveness detection that watches for subtle changes in facial features or slight movements. In some cases, platforms may even use thermal scanning to check for heat signatures.

The key takeaway is simple: always verify that liveness detection is active, no matter what service or device you're using. It’s an easy step that can make all the difference in securing your data.

Encryption and storage

Okay, so where does all this data actually go? You’d think that having something as personal as your face stored somewhere would be a little... unnerving. And it is. The key difference is where it’s stored and how it’s encrypted.

There are two main ways biometric data is stored: in the cloud (usually on a server) or locally on your device.

1. Cloud storage (data centers)

Some services store your biometric data in the cloud, meaning your face or fingerprints are uploaded to a central server for verification. While convenient, cloud storage requires strong encryption. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is widely used for this purpose, with AES-256 being the most robust and reliable option, offering top-tier security. It ensures that even if your data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the decryption key. But remember, this only works if the encryption is properly implemented – otherwise, your data could be at risk.

2. Local device storage (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows)

Apple, Android, and some other OSes store biometric data directly on the device. This is considered a much safer option because the data never leaves your device.

• iOS (Apple) uses its Secure Enclave to store your biometric data (Face ID, Touch ID) on the device itself, encrypted. This means even if your iPhone is hacked, your biometric data is protected.
• Android devices use Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), which are similar secure environments that store biometric data safely, also encrypted.
• Windows (Microsoft) devices use Windows Hello, which stores facial and fingerprint data locally in the device’s TPM (Trusted Platform Module), another secure storage area.
• macOS offers Touch ID to store biometric data in a secure enclave similar to iPhones.

So what’s better? Local storage is typically safer. Your data stays encrypted on your device, reducing exposure to large-scale breaches. While cloud storage is convenient, it’s more vulnerable to hacks, and not all services use robust encryption.

How to ensure local storage:

• iPhone. Biometric data is automatically stored locally in the Secure Enclave. To ensure this, you can disable iCloud syncing for your fingerprints or Face ID (though iCloud doesn't generally store this data).
• Android. Check under your Settings > Security > Fingerprint (or Face Recognition) to confirm your biometrics are stored locally.

How biometric authentication works

While it seems like a simple swipe or scan, there’s a lot of tech working behind the scenes to make sure you’re the one accessing your data. So, let’s break it down.

Common biometric systems: the basics

Biometric authentication comes in a few different flavors, each with its own quirks:

• Face recognition uses the unique features of your face – like the distance between your eyes or the shape of your chin. If your phone unlocks when you look at it, that’s facial recognition at work.
• Fingerprint scanning is one of the oldest and most common methods. It analyzes the unique ridges and patterns on your fingertip, converting them into a digital code.
• Iris recognition is the fancy tech that scans the colored part of your eye. It’s incredibly precise, making it nearly impossible to fake.
• Voiceprints leverage your voice, which is as unique as your fingerprint. By analyzing the tone, pitch, and rhythm of your speech, voice recognition systems can identify you with surprisingly high accuracy.

Biometric systems don’t store raw images of your face or fingerprints. Instead, they convert them into unique markers or digital codes. This means that even if the data is leaked, it’s practically useless without the exact system and algorithm that created it. In fact, the pictures you share on social media likely give away more personal information than most biometric systems could ever collect, which is also why liveness detection is an integral part of most biometric systems.

Protecting your biometric data

Biometrics alone aren't bulletproof. If you want to significantly boost your security, you can follow a few simple steps.

1. Only upload biometric data to trusted, secure platforms

Let’s get real: we’re living in a world where convenience often trumps privacy. Everyone from fitness apps to social media platforms are asking for biometric data – but not all platforms are created equal.

Only trust platforms that are transparent about how they store, handle, and protect your biometric data. Don’t upload your face to some random app that hasn’t explained how they protect it. Ever heard of the phrase "If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product"? That’s the game here.

How to spot a shady app? Look for apps with clear privacy policies. A well-established company like Apple or Google has layers of security in place. If a random app is asking for biometric data without explaining its purpose, think twice.

2. Enable multi-factor authentication

This is where you combine something you have (e.g., your phone) with something you know (PIN, password), or even something you are (biometrics). Even if biometrics are compromised, MFA makes it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts or devices.

How to enable MFA:

• iPhone. Go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode or Touch ID and Passcode and ensure you have a strong passcode (6 digits minimum). Combine this with Face ID or Touch ID for an added layer of security
• Android. Head to Settings > Security > Screen Lock, then choose PIN or Pattern as your first layer of security. You can add Fingerprint or Face Unlock for an additional factor
• Google. Go to Google Account Security Settings and turn on 2-Step Verification
• Facebook. Go to Settings > Security and Login and choose Use two-factor authentication
• Banking apps. Most modern banking apps support MFA. Check the security settings in your bank’s app

3. Enable liveness detection

As I have already mentioned, liveness detection is an important security feature that ensures you’re physically present when using biometric authentication. It prevents attackers from spoofing the system with photos or videos.

On devices like iPhones and Androids, this feature is typically enabled automatically, requiring you to perform simple actions like blinking or moving your head. It’s also used in many other apps, especially banks. To make sure it’s enabled, check the service biometric settings or security preferences. If it’s not clear, look for options like motion detection or real-time validation. You can also contact customer support for confirmation on whether liveness detection is active for your account.

4. Regularly update your device's software

Software updates aren't just for new features – they’re often for security. By keeping your device up-to-date, you ensure that it’s protected from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

How to keep your phone updated:

• iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and enable automatic updates to make sure you get the latest patches.

• Android. Go to Settings > Software Updates and turn on automatic updates for both system and security patches.

In a nutshell, biometric authentication is awesome and convenient, but with great power comes great responsibility. Treat your biometric data like the treasure it is – don’t just hand it over to the first app that asks for it. And if things go south, act fast to lock down your security before it spirals into chaos. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep your data locked up tight.

What to do if your biometric data gets compromised

Here’s the ugly truth: even if you take every precaution, nothing is 100% safe. What happens if your biometric data gets exposed? Here’s how to react and regain control.

• Change your passwords. Just like you would change your email password if your account was hacked, update your security credentials on any account tied to your biometrics. It’s time to ditch the single point of failure.
• Monitor your accounts. If your biometric data is compromised, there’s a chance other personal data is at risk too. Regularly check your bank, credit cards, and social media accounts for unauthorized transactions or activity. Get proactive.
• Consider adding more layers of security. Think Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), especially on critical accounts like email or banking. By combining biometrics with something you know (a PIN, for example), you’re not relying on one weak point.
• Get a credit freeze or fraud alert. If the breach is severe enough, consider putting a fraud alert on your credit file or even a credit freeze. This won’t prevent the breach from happening, but it will make it much harder for anyone to misuse your data for identity theft.
• Use a password manager. It simplifies managing strong, unique passwords for each account and alerts you if your credentials are compromised. A reliable password manager adds an extra layer of security by preventing password reuse and ensuring you're notified about potential breaches.

Even with precautions, breaches can happen. Staying vigilant and taking swift action can help minimize damage and regain control.

Common vulnerabilities and how hackers exploit them

Spoofing biometric systems is a rare but sophisticated type of hacking, often reserved for high-profile targets like celebrities, politicians, or executives. These attacks involve tricking security systems into thinking the hacker is the legitimate user. It sounds like something out of a spy movie, but it does happen – using tools like 3D masks, deepfakes, or fake fingerprints.

The art of spoofing: 3D masks, deepfakes, and more

Spoofing is essentially when a hacker bypasses a biometric security system by impersonating you – whether that’s by using a fake fingerprint, a 3D model of your face, or a deepfake video that mimics your voice.

• 3D masks and fingerprints. This is one of the most well-known spoofing techniques. Hackers can create realistic 3D masks of your face or even a mold of your fingerprint using a 3D printer and some creative engineering. Face recognition systems that rely only on 2D images can be easily fooled by holding up a high-resolution print or, even better, a 3D model of your face.
• Deepfake videos. You’ve probably seen the viral deepfake videos where celebrities’ faces are swapped into other people’s bodies, or their mouths are made to say anything. Turns out, deepfakes are a real problem when it comes to voice recognition systems too. Hackers can use AI to generate a video or audio clip of your face or voice, tricking systems that rely on these biometrics for authentication. Essentially, it’s an AI-generated impersonation. Welcome to the future, where it’s not just hackers who can fake things – machines can too.

However, it’s important to note that these types of hacks are rare and typically targeted at high-value individuals. For us, mortals, the real concern isn’t high-tech spoofing, but data leaks.

Recent breaches: when biometrics failed (and it was ugly)

While spoofing attacks make for exciting headlines, the true threat comes from data leaks and breaches. Here are a few examples that show just how vulnerable biometric systems can be:

• The 2023 Outabox data breach compromised the personal information of over a million Australians who visited various clubs and pubs. The incident is linked to a cyber extortion campaign and is currently under investigation by police​
• Another well-known security breach, led by Noam Rotem and Ran Locar, uncovered Suprema's BioStar 2 security platform. This breach compromised sensitive data, including over 1 million fingerprint records and facial recognition information.

Biometrics can offer convenience and security, but without proper encryption and safeguards, they’re vulnerable to exploitation, and once breached, your data is compromised for life.

Techniques hackers use to bypass biometrics

Hackers have a range of tricks up their sleeves when it comes to bypassing biometric authentication. Here are a few of the more common methods:

• Camera hacks. Some systems, especially those relying on facial recognition, are fooled by high-quality photos or even videos. If the system doesn’t have proper liveness detection, a hacker could hold up a high-res picture of your face and unlock your phone. Even the best systems sometimes don’t account for the difference between a living person and a printout.
• Spoofing with fake fingerprints. This one’s pretty simple – malicious hackers use 3D printers/silicone molds. With access to some basic tech and a bit of know-how, someone could create a mold of your fingerprint and use it to bypass fingerprint recognition systems. It’s not a casual thing, but it’s totally doable if the system isn't equipped with anti-spoofing features.
• Voice spoofing. If a voice recognition system is the only thing protecting your device or account, someone could use deepfake audio to gain access. It's chilling when you realize that, in some cases, these systems don’t even require perfect mimicry to be effective.

The future of biometric authentication

Biometric authentication is evolving fast, and it’s not just about convenience anymore – it's becoming a cornerstone of security. So, what's next?

On-device storage and AI-powered security

One key trend is the shift toward on-device storage. Apple’s Secure Enclave stores biometric data locally, making it less vulnerable to cloud breaches. This trend is gaining traction as more companies opt for local processing to reduce risks. AI is also stepping up – liveness detection powered by AI ensures that biometric scans aren’t fooled by photos or videos, making systems more secure and harder to bypass.

User control over biometric data

As privacy concerns rise, user control over biometric data is becoming more critical. Companies like Apple and Google are providing better transparency and tools for users to manage how their data is used. Research from iProov suggests that an overwhelming majority of consumers (97%) care about data privacy, with 68% expressing significant concern and 30% feeling they lack control over their personal data. This suggests a major shift toward self-sovereign identity systems where individuals own their biometric info.

Behavioral biometrics

The next big thing? Behavioral biometrics. This method uses patterns like your typing rhythm or walking speed to verify your identity continuously. The behavioral biometrics market is projected to grow significantly, with an increase of $14.33 billion by 2028.

In short, the future of biometric authentication is smarter, safer, and more user-controlled. Stay ahead by keeping your devices updated and using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra protection.

Conclusion

Biometric authentication brings cutting-edge convenience and security right to your fingertips. It's cool tech, but like anything else, it's about using it wisely. Firstly, don't panic.

High-profile breaches and complex spoofing might grab headlines, but these are not everyday occurrences for most of us. Common sense goes a long way here. Store biometric data locally on your device when possible. Enable liveness detection to ensure your live presence is required for authentication. If you do use cloud storage, choose a provider with strong encryption and a solid security track record.

Remember, the media tends to hype up the risks, but if you make sure you’re following basic security practices, the convenience and security of biometric authentication far outweigh the potential threats. Just stay informed, be cautious, and you’ll be fine.