Biometric Authentication for Dummies

London based cyber-security business, iProov, has published a guide ¹ providing an overview of how organisations across all industries can use biometric authentication to maximise their potential return on investment.

The guide, titled ‘Biometric Authentication for Dummies’, is the amalgamation of years of industry experience, expertise and insight, distilled into seven short chapters.

It is written in the easy-to-read style of all of the ‘Dummies Guide’ series and is packed with information, providing a comprehensive overview of how organisations can use biometric authentication to verify user identity online and safely deliver digital services to customers and citizens.

Biometric Authentication for Dummies has been written for anyone that is interested in using online biometric authentication in their organisation, whether in financial services, government, healthcare or other sectors.

The seven chapters of the guide cover: 

1. Why do we need to authenticate people online? When is online authentication necessary? And what methods are available for verifying that an online user is who they claim to be? Biometric Authentication for Dummies looks at the advantages and disadvantages of several biometric authentication options.

2. Why use biometrics for online authentication? What are the alternatives to biometric authentication online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of knowledge-based authentication methods (such as passwords or security questions) and possession-based methods (such as mobile devices and hardware tokens)?

3. Securing biometric systems. Biometric systems are like any other security system: they can never be 100% secure from every conceivable attack. Biometric Authentication for Dummies explains the various ways in which biometric systems can be attacked and provides guidance on how to protect your systems from those attack types.

4. Protecting user privacy with biometrics. What are the privacy laws, guidelines, and standards that control how biometric authentication is delivered?

5. The usability of biometrics. If security is not usable, people will find workarounds that are not secure. Biometric authentication, when implemented correctly, can be effortless for the user. The guide explains how this can be achieved.

6. Understanding certifications and standardised testing. How can you evaluate the accuracy and security of a biometric authentication system? What certification and standardised testing options are available to help?

7. 10 considerations for choosing a biometric vendor. What are the key factors that you need to consider when looking for a biometric authentication system? What questions should you be asking your vendors and how do you establish your priorities?

1 - https://www.iproov.com/reports/dummies-guide-biometric-authentication