Biometrics

What is biometrics?

Biometrics is an innovative technology based on the collection and analysis of biological characteristics or behavior to identify individuals. And that is precisely what this article is about.

What is biometric data?

Biometric data describes personal or person-related information about the physical, physiological or behavioral characteristics of an identifiable person. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris patterns or facial features, can be used to identify and verify a natural person.

What types of biometrics are there?

There are biological, morphological and behavioral biometric methods that are used in security-related areas. In the digital area, morphological biometrics are used for identification. This involves the recognition and comparison of physiological characteristics such as iris patterns or face shape.

Biometric authentication is already used in many industries:

• eCommerce
• Financial Services
• Banking
• eGovernment
• HealthCare & InsurTech
• Telecommunication
• eSports
• Gaming & Entertainment
• Mobility

Tailored to the specific use case, industry and country, WebID offers a variety of solutions for digital authentication that also use biometric features for identification, such as AutoID.

The advantages of biometric authentication

Biometric authentication in online business offers customers speed, convenience and independence from opening hours. Companies that have implemented biometric recognition solutions also build trust with their customers.

Other advantages of biometric authentication:

• Enhanced security: Biometrics can increase the security of authentication systems and reduce the risk of identity theft.
• Convenient user experience: Biometric authentication enables seamless and convenient verification, without users having to remember passwords.
• Fast authentication: The process of biometric authentication is usually smooth and easy, saving customers time.
• Seamless integration: WebID’s biometric authentication solutions adapt to the individual data protection requirements of each industry. The setup is done just once and can be customized.
• Protection against fraud: Biometric methods help prevent and deter online fraud.

WebID projects with biometric authentication

Biometrics are used in a variety of projects to perform identity checks quickly and securely. WebID Solutions has developed several methods of biometric authentication for this purpose, allowing our partners to benefit from ease of use and reliability. For example, when registering online for a marriage in Wiesbaden (Germany), authentication is carried out by comparing biometric characteristics.

How does biometric recognition work?

When using WebID solutions for biometric recognition, attention is paid during the implementation phase to keeping the process as easy and intuitive as possible for all end devices, forms of use and age groups. This also allows companies to embrace the idea of inclusion. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and user-centered design, biometric recognition is experienced as a user-friendly process that takes the protection of personal data into account.

How does biometrics work in the context of onboarding?

Companies have the option of relying on an automated solution for biometric authentication with AutoID. Here, the customer’s face is automatically compared with the image stored in an official document, such as the photo on the ID card.

In both cases, authentication can be completed quickly and successfully.

How does biometric data help with future identification?

Customers who have already been biometrically authenticated via other WebID solutions at an earlier point in time can use their stored data to simplify future registrations or authentications. When our interface is accessed, the submitted data is automatically compared with the existing profiles in the database. If a completed identification is available and stored in the database, the user is asked whether the stored digital identity may be used for verification. If the user agrees, they will receive a one time password (OTP) via SMS. By entering the OTP, they give their consent to the reuse of the user profile.

Is biometrics secure?

Generally speaking, biometric characteristics of individuals are unique and can only be falsified with relatively high effort, so biometrics can certainly be described as “secure”. However, it should be obvious to everyone that biometric data, like all personal data, can cause great harm in the wrong hands if it is captured and digitally stored in any form.

Use of biometric solutions: What companies need to watch out for

Companies that (want to) integrate biometric authentication solutions into their identification processes must ensure that the data generated by these solutions is stored securely and protected against unauthorized access – and, of course, that it complies with the relevant legal requirements.

To dispel privacy concerns, companies should be transparent and establish and communicate clear guidelines for the collection, storage and use of biometric data.

How do companies protect their customers' biometric data?

WebID’s solutions for secure biometric authentication comply with the relevant legal requirements. However, a sophisticated security concept also includes various access controls and regular security checks.

What does the law say about biometrics?

Legislation regarding the use of biometric authentication solutions varies by country and region. WebID places a high value on the legal compliance of the solutions offered. AutoID for example complies with the following legal requirements in Germany:

• Telecommunications Act (FMG)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Of course, WebID products and solutions are always developed in accordance to the respective country-specific legal framework.

Is biometrics fair for everyone?

The fairness of biometric identification methods depends on how they are implemented and used. Biometric methods should not allow for prejudice or discrimination and should respect the privacy and rights of all users.

Biometric authentification: More security for online transactions

WebID provides authentification methods which can easily be integrated into existing systems – and can thus be flexibly configured with regard to the respective use case. Our goal is to combine the highest security with an excellent customer experience for every type of online transaction, around the clock and on-demand, regardless of the industry.