The Future of IoT Security with Biometrics
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a wonderful creation. Full of connected devices, shared information and providing access to a wealth of resources, it is a creation that has grown over time and continues to grow daily in various ways. With that growth, however, has come a variety of challenges. One of the main challenges that the IoT is facing is security, with important and sensitive data breaches being a primary concern for all who are connected and sharing data.
How Security is Changing
Security used to be as simple as setting up a username and a password just one time. These simple and easy to crack security measures are now considered the bare minimum for the security of non-vital data. Vital data, such as bank account information, social security numbers, and other sensitive profile data, are no longer trusted to be kept safe by such simple means. From pins to biometrics, a variety of additional security measures have been developed over the years to help protect important data and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
Types of Biometric Security
There are a number of types of biometric authentication technology. Face recognition, retina scanners, fingerprint sensors, and even DNA testing are all types of biometric security that can be used. These technologies provide a unique and secure way to identify a user, making it an additional layer of security to protect sensitive data. However, not all of these security types make sense for IoT security.
Common-Sense Biometric Solutions
For the end-user devices, also known as the “things” of the IoT, fingerprint scanners and facial recognition make the most sense for biometric authentication technology–both from an interface standpoint and a financial standpoint. Fingerprint sensors, for example, are a low-cost solution for access to data. Such solutions have already been seen in consumer cellular phones and both methods provide consumers with an easy way to access their data and the rest of the connected world, while also providing a seamless experience. Unlike entering a username and password, both of which can be forgotten or even stolen, the fingerprint is unique to the individual and are always with them. This makes the application of these technologies straightforward, logical and personal.
Why Biometrics?
Biometric authentication technologies offer an additional layer of security. Biometrics use the unique human identifiers that are difficult–if not impossible–to duplicate, making them especially useful for sensitive, confidential data. Such data will become more commonplace in the IoT as the future of financial management changes and more of people’s lives become digital.
The Future of Biometrics and the IoT
Biometrics are a big part of the future. They will become more commonplace for security, and the IoT is one of many places that this will be true. From consumer products such as cell phones to credit cards and banking information, biometrics are here to stay. The capabilities of the technology will continue to grow and evolve as they become more widely available and the technology itself continues to evolve in what it is capable of doing.
Seamless integration will appeal to many who plan to get and stay connected, and biometrics is one of very few currently available technologies that offers this ease of adoption. As the costs of producing the technology come down, it will be available and appeal to a greater array of businesses and consumers.
The IoT is here to stay–we are a connected world in previously unprecedented ways. As we become more connected and share more vital information through those connections, security is and will remain at the forefront of consumer and business conversations. Determining how best to protect that data while providing unparalleled service will be how biometric authentication technology can make its mark. Biometric technology is changing rapidly, and with those changes comes additional features and developments that will help it earn its place in the IoT and stay there. Continued technological growth and the continued expansion of connected devices of all types demand that security take priority. Biometrics is that future of security and is making headway in keeping data safe and secure no matter where you’re connected.