Introduction
With the advancement in technology, a lot of people even not knowing IT systems are aware of biometrics, thanks to our national identification number project- Aadhar. We have come a long way, wherein every place be it airports, hospitals, Offices, etc are more and more relying on Biometrics to establish a person’s identity and use that to provide access. Biometrics is nothing but identifying a user with his unique characteristics such as fingerprints, iris scans, face recognition, and voice recognition. It is indeed a game changer for many industries which were earlier relying on manual ways to provide access to individuals which were not that effective from a security perspective.
Usage of Biometrics in iOS
These days most phones be it Android or iOS rely on Biometric authentication to unlock their device. Having features such as Touch and Face Id allows users to unlock their phones with ease. Biometrics can even be used for authorizing payments using Apple or Samsung pay or to secure sensitive information. For Face ID sensors are used to create a 3D map of your face to identify you, while for Touch Id you need to simply place your finger on the home button.
Benefits of Biometrics in iOS
Biometric authentication is a quick, easy, and secure way of establishing a person’s identity. It is more secure as it becomes extremely difficult to replicate someone’s characteristics like fingerprints or face scans making it very useful in those industries wherein security is the primary concern. In the case of iPhones, even if someone were to steal your device, they wouldn’t be able to access your information unless they had your fingerprint or your face. Additionally, biometric authentication is more convenient and versatile than passwords, as it’s faster and requires no typing or memorization. Just with a touch of a finger or a face scan users can authorize payments on their mobile or store important information without a need to remember complex passwords.
Risks of Biometrics in iOS
As they say, all that glitters is not gold and with any technology, there are some risks associated, as is the case with biometrics authentication.
Though very slight, there are chances of false positives or false negatives. It’s possible for the technology to incorrectly identify someone, either allowing access to a device or denying access to a rightful user.
If a hacker were to gain access to your biometric data, they could use it to access your device or personal information. Additionally, if your biometric data is stored on a central server, it could be vulnerable to attacks.
Lastly, the use of biometrics can be discriminatory, as some individuals may not have the necessary biometric characteristics to use the technology.
Conclusion
Overall, biometric technology in iOS is a secure and convenient way to authenticate access to your device and various apps and services. While there are risks associated with biometric authentication, they are relatively low, and the benefits outweigh them. If you’re looking for an easy and secure way to access your device, consider using Touch ID or Face ID.
Biometrics in iOS should be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as strong passwords, to ensure the highest level of security.
