Any security measure is only as strong as its weakest link. The same rings true for biometrics security. Biometric data, often considered the most secure, however it is only as secure as the system that protects it.
Biometric data, which uses fingerprints, visual cryptography, and facial recognition technology to make a secure online transaction or access other confidential information, is not really safer but it is more difficult to use if stolen. Supplementing biometrics security with other measures is the best approach.
Deeper Insight into How Biometrics Can Prevent Fraud
Biometrics security is one of the newest ways to authorize transactions and is being labeled one of the safest ways to do so. Most are excited about the security of biometrics because unlike passwords and CVV codes, you cannot forget or guess them, and most importantly, individuals’ identities are verified with a greater level of accuracy.
But, every time someone comes up with the next great thing to fight fraud, hackers wait in the background to figure out ways to get past them. Though every voice, fingerprint, and DNA makeup is unique, nothing is fool-proof. No one shares the same eye, for example, but there have been incidents where high-resolutions images have been turned into copies to bypass biometrics security measure. So, again anything is possible, and as technology continues to advance, expect fraudsters get more savvy, as well.
But the bottom line here is, will a fraudster take the time and effort for a small payoff? Unless the target is a high-profile individual or a business uses one fingerprint to cache all the data for all its clients (which would be ludicrous), expect a cybercriminal to move on to something else.
Ways to Make It More Difficult to Access
Biometric data can be stored on servers, an end-user’s device, or a dual storage model, which would have some information kept on the server and the rest on a device. The last option is the safest way to protect information. So, for example, use some of the data stored on the device to see if it matches what’s on the server.
Use a Two- or Three-Pronged Approach
Sometimes, the best way to lead cybercriminals off the track is to employ several different fraud-fighting strategies. Using biometrics security measure, as well as a password, offers much greater security. An even better step would include three levels of security, such as a password, an answer to a personal question, and a biometric. A fraudster not only would have to bypass the first two stages, which may not be very difficult, but the third step would take extra time. In general, a cybercriminal is going to bypass a site that had multiple levels of protection because they are eager to move quickly and get to the next easy target.
The Final Say on the Matter
There is no single answer when it comes to fighting and cutting down on fraud because no security measure is 100 percent guaranteed effective. However, the difficulties accessing and using biometrics make them much harder and time-consuming for hackers to get, possibly make the time and effort not worth their time.
Biometrics security should be just one of the layers of your fraud protection plan. The best plans will work to restrict fraud without ruining the customer experience. Also, inform your customers about why there are so many levels to your security approach. If customers know the reasoning behind your approach, they may be more inclined to accept a longer wait or inconvenience in exchange for safer transactions. Keeping consumers in the know is good customer service.
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