Technology has come a long way over the years, and this has been particularly evident in the world of data storage. More and more people are moving away from physical storage solutions like hard drives and opting to store their information online instead. The benefits of this are clear; online storage is convenient, cost-effective, and easily accessible. However, as with any technological advance, this shift is not without its risks, and one major concern that has arisen is how to protect biometric data, which is becoming an increasingly popular way for users to verify their identities when logging in to online accounts.
There is no denying that biometric data has the potential to be an incredibly effective means of keeping online accounts secure. After all, unlike traditional login methods like passwords, biometric data is unique to each individual and impossible to replicate. However, with this uniqueness comes a new set of challenges. Because biometric data is so sensitive, it is critical that it is stored in a way that is both secure and accessible only to those who have permission to view it. In this article, we will explore the challenges around biometric data protection and the steps that people can take to safeguard their personal identities when using online storage services.
What is Biometric Data and Why is it Important?
Biometric data refers to information that is collected from an individual’s body and used to verify their identity. This includes things like fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice prints. Biometric data is becoming increasingly popular as a means of verifying identities, particularly when it comes to logging in to online accounts. This is because it is much harder to replicate biometric data than it is to guess a password or steal identity information like a social security number.
Another major advantage of biometric data is that it can be used for a wide variety of applications beyond simply logging in to online accounts. For example, many smartphones now use facial recognition as a way to unlock the device and access apps. Biometric data can also be used in healthcare, banking, and government, providing even greater security and convenience to users across a range of sectors.
What are the Risks of Storing Biometric Data Online?
While the convenience of storing biometric data online is clear, it is also important to be aware of the risks involved with doing so. One major concern is that online storage solutions are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can result in sensitive data being stolen. In the case of biometric data, this could mean that an individual’s unique identity information is compromised, which could have serious consequences ranging from identity theft to more sinister scenarios like criminal impersonation.
Another risk of online biometric data storage is the potential for data breaches. Even organisations with the most stringent security measures in place can fall victim to data breaches, as was the case with the infamous Equifax breach in 2017. In that incident, the personal data of 147 million people was exposed, including biometric data like fingerprints and social security numbers. While such breaches are rare, they can be incredibly devastating for those who are affected, and may result in compromised identities and reputations.
One final risk to consider is that of data misuse. In some cases, organisations may use biometric data for purposes beyond what was originally intended, such as targeted marketing or data analytics. For example, the Australian government has come under fire for using facial recognition software to gather images of citizens without their consent. While this may not have seemed like a major issue at the time, it raises questions about what other uses organisations may have for this sensitive data and the lengths that people must go to protect their privacy.
How Can Biometric Data Protection Be Improved?
Given the risks involved with storing biometric data online, it is critical that individuals take steps to safeguard their personal identities. There are several things that people can do to help improve the protection of their biometric data, including:
1. Choose Secure Online Storage Solutions
When selecting an online storage solution, it is important to choose a provider that takes data security seriously. This means selecting a provider that uses encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest, has robust authentication measures in place, and has a solid track record when it comes to data breaches. Before committing to a particular service, do some research and read reviews to find a provider that inspires confidence in their ability to keep data safe.
2. Limit Biometric Data Sharing
When it comes to biometric data, less sharing is better. Be mindful of the types of online accounts that require biometric login, and only share this information with reputable service providers. If a provider offers two-factor authentication using biometric data, consider the potential risks and benefits before enabling this feature. Where possible, avoid sharing biometric information at all and rely on traditional login methods like passwords instead.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
While biometric data can be an effective means of verifying identity, it is rarely a standalone solution. Whenever possible, use multi-factor authentication to improve the security of online accounts. This might involve using a combination of biometric data, passwords, and one-time verification codes to authenticate a user’s identity. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to accounts and provides an additional layer of protection for sensitive data.
Real-Life Examples of Biometric Data Protection
One example of a company that is taking biometric data protection seriously is Apple. The tech giant has long been a proponent of biometric data as a means of authentication, using facial recognition to unlock iPhones and iPads and fingerprint scanning to authenticate purchases. However, in recent years, Apple has implemented several new features aimed at improving biometric data protection for its users.
One notable change is the introduction of local biometric data storage. This means that biometric data is now stored entirely on the device rather than being sent to Apple’s servers for processing. This greatly reduces the risk of data breaches, as hackers would need physical access to the device in order to access the biometric data.
Another feature that Apple has implemented is the ability to turn off biometric data sharing. Users can now choose to disable the sharing of biometric data in certain contexts, such as when unlocking their device. While this may not offer complete protection, it provides users with greater control over how their data is used.
Conclusion
Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, and with each new development comes new challenges when it comes to data security. Biometric data is one area where innovative solutions are being explored, but it is critical that individuals take steps to protect their personal identities when using online storage solutions. By choosing secure providers, limiting biometric data sharing, and using multi-factor authentication, users can help safeguard their biometric data from cyber-attacks, data breaches, and misuse. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while biometric data may be a powerful tool for online security, it must be used wisely and with caution to ensure that individuals retain control over their personal identities and sensitive information.
See you again in another interesting article.
