What is Biometric Verification?
What is Biometric Verification?
Everyone has unique traits which are distinctive to them only. These traits are our biometrics and include things like facial patterns, fingerprints, voice, and iris patterns, among others. Biometric verification is a process that allows the identification of people through these unique traits. We can say that biometric verification helps one identify themselves in the digital environment. And it will enable you to access the systems, devices, and services you want.
How does biometric verification differ from biometric authentication?
Both biometric verification and authentication use distinctive physical traits (your biometrics) to prove that you are who you say you are securely online. However, each has different use cases and different processes.
Biometric verification – using a distinctive biometric trait against an identity document like a driver’s license. Typically, biometric verification is done when a person is enrolling or onboard for an online service for the first time.
Biometric authentication – this is the process of validating your unique biometric characteristics against the biometric template you created during the verification process. The biometric authentication process is used when you return to use an online service after you’ve enrolled or onboarded.
Reasons for biometric verification
High security
A big advantage of using biometrics for verification is higher security. Your biometrics are unique to you and cannot be easily replicated like a password. In other words, it is much more difficult for someone to impersonate you if they don’t have your biometrics.
Improved user experience
Another reason for the adoption of biometric verification is the improved user experience. Verifying your identity with biometrics is usually quicker and easier than traditional methods like passwords or PINs. For example, instead of having to remember a complex password, you can simply use your fingerprint to log in to your device or account.
Reduced fraud
Another benefit of biometric verification is that it can help to reduce fraud. This is because it is much more difficult for someone to commit fraud if they need your biometrics. For example, if you use biometric verification to access your bank account, it would be very difficult for someone to impersonate you and withdraw money from your account without your fingerprint.
Convenience
Another reason for the adoption of biometric verification is convenience. As mentioned above, verifying your identity with biometrics is usually quicker and easier than traditional methods like passwords or PINs. This can be especially beneficial if you use biometric verification to access services you frequently use, such as your email account or online banking.
Speed
Another advantage of biometric verification is that it can help speed up verifying your identity. This is because you don’t need to enter any information when using biometrics to verify your identity. For example, if you use facial recognition to log in to your device, you don’t need to enter your password or PIN.
Loss-proof
Another great advantage of biometrics is that it is loss-proof. For example, if you lose your phone, no one can access your accounts as long as they don’t have your fingerprint or iris scan. Your biometrics can’t be stolen in the same way passwords can. To steal someone’s password, all a hacker needs is their login information. However, to steal someone’s biometrics, they would need to physically steal their body part, which is much more difficult.
Easy enrollment
Another benefit of biometric verification tools like the KYC verification solution by Passbase is that it’s very easy to enroll. You usually don’t need to provide any information when registering for an online service. For example, if you use your fingerprint to verify your identity, you don’t need to provide your name or date of birth.
Reduced costs
Finally, another reason for adopting biometric verification is that it can help reduce costs. This is because verifying your identity with biometrics is usually quicker and easier than traditional methods like passwords or PINs. As a result, businesses can save time and money by using biometric verification instead of conventional methods.
Drawbacks of biometric verification
Despite the many benefits of biometric verification, some drawbacks should be considered.
Cost
One of the main drawbacks of biometric verification is the cost. The hardware and software required to implement biometric verification can be expensive. For example, you must purchase fingerprint scanners if you want to use fingerprint recognition for biometric verification.
Privacy concerns
Another drawback of biometric verification is that it can raise privacy concerns. This is because biometric data is very personal and sensitive. For example, if your fingerprint data were leaked, it would be very difficult to change your fingerprint. This could lead to identity theft or other malicious activities.
False positives and negatives
Another issue with biometric verification is that it is not perfect. There will always be a certain percentage of false positives (when someone is incorrectly identified) and false negatives (when someone is incorrectly rejected). This can be problematic, especially in high-security situations where even a small percentage of false positives or negatives can have serious consequences.
Limited use
Another drawback of biometric verification is that it is not suitable for all situations. For example, if you are trying to verify a child’s identity, biometric verification may not be possible because their fingerprints are not yet developed.
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