The Internet of Things (IoT) has connected the digital and physical worlds, making the world smarter and more adaptive. Despite our progress in securing assets, the safety of devices connected to the Internet of Things and those who use them remains a concern.
What are IoT devices?
The internet of things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical gadgets connected to the internet, to collect and share data. With low-cost computer chips and innovative technology in global wireless network access, everything from light bulbs to mobile phones, washing machines, baby monitors, vehicles, and even a jet engine can be connected to an IoT network.
Security Challenges: When you have a lot of freedom, you also have a lot of responsibilities.
New security challenges arise with each breakthrough. A strong authentication procedure is essential in today's interconnected world, and conventional methods are insufficient. This is where biometrics becomes the most essential line of defense in IoT.
Biometrics and the Internet of Things: Why Do We Need Them?
Devices are often hacked; businesses, financial institutions, and government organizations are at risk, and they must use stronger passwords to protect intellectual property and mission-critical programs.
Since biometric qualities do not alter, they are safer than encryption or password security. This one feature is enough that they are worth considering in any security system. Biometrics can be used in a range of applications, such as banking, and e-payments, blockchain systems, e-trading, and authorized employee access. Biometrics are also used in many other Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as in smart solutions for homes, automobiles, and other personal effects, health data analysis, and so on.
Biometrics categories
Biometric characteristics are unique and never change, making it difficult for attackers to duplicate. We can divide biometric characteristics into two dominant classes: Physiological and Behavioral.
Physiological features include fingerprint recognition, face recognition, hand and palm geometry, and iris recognition. Behavioral features include signature verification, keystroke dynamics, and voice.
Fingerprint
Fingerprints are unique to each person's finger, even for identical twins. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader in mobile phones has resulted in the popular acceptance of biometric security. With just a touch, fingerprint recognition devices allow us to use the systems. We can find fingerprint scanners on a variety of devices, including doorknobs and automobile locks. One of the most important applications is that fingerprints and hand recognition can also confirm a person's identity, especially in policing and immigration.
Voice biometrics
A person's voice is used in vocal biometrics to identify them. Speech recognition-enabled gadgets, such as Google Home and Alexa, are prevalent in modern houses. We also found voice recognition in a variety of devices, including car ignition, door locks, home lighting, and domestic appliances.
Facial recognition technology
Recently, my bank app demanded I need to verify my identity by showing my face. It only took a few seconds to take a short video, and that let me complete the transaction. This biometric technology gives me hack-proof, smarter security, faster authentication with less complexity, and removes the need for me to remember a set of passwords. Facial recognition technology is now common on all new smartphones. Most of the users found it more convenient than conventional passwords, as facial recognition has several advantages, including being hands-free, faster, and tamper-proof. Facial recognition is employed in a variety of applications, including doors, laptops, and security emigration. Face recognition is now being widely used on cruise ships to speed up the embarkation and disembarkation processes, thus cutting long waits for esteemed passengers.
Iris recognition
The iris recognition method uses the iris of the eye, and we can use this system even in the presence of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Iris' biometric system works well even with different ethnic groups. The iris biometrics are the most suited security features because of their unique nature, and they do not require physical contact with a scanner.
Behavioral biometrics
Behavioral biometrics are a new generation of IoT security that identifies a person based on the unique way they interact with gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
Behavioral biometrics is an intuitive technology that builds a unique profile to validate identity by sensing and analyzing information including how a person handles the phone, how hard they tap a screen, their keyboard shortcuts, etc. It is personality, and it's difficult to duplicate each person's pattern.
Signature recognition
Rather than peeking at the signature, the signature biometric system examines the physical activity of signing; such as stroking, pressure on the lines, and speed. While we can duplicate a signature's image with practice, it's far more difficult to imitate the act of signing; this is the advantage of signature biometric systems.
Another behavioral biometric method is voice or speech recognition. Each person has a distinct voice. A person's voice alters in response to the tone, mood, and situation, and is more behavioral. Again, it's almost impossible to replicate.
Business applications of biometrics
Other than security, we can use biometrics for a variety of purposes. It can provide employee safety and competence in the workplace. By integrating biometrics to develop a comprehensive profile of each person, a company can track time, data usage, training, and certification with less trouble. This helps management find the best employees, among other things.
Time tracking with biometric solutions can help you save time and money. Biometrics can be used instead of a pin code or a key card. If an employee clocks out early or refuses to come in, their ID card can simply be turned over to another employee. But sharing a fingerprint or other biometric data with another individual is impossible. As a result, biometrics in the workplace prevent fraud and guarantee correct adherence to attendance standards.
CONCLUSION
Biometrics are hard to duplicate. Biometrics on the Internet of Things will open bank apps, email accounts, vehicles, residences, and many more. Since we need to keep data secure, biometrics will continue to advance and aid us in secure data transfer. Biometrics in the IoT means exchanging data across devices while also improving the overall security of the transaction. With biometrics, we can have more intelligent security solutions, and advanced system monitoring. It is no longer necessary to have a password list.
Cheers!
