A complete guide to biometric identity management: technologies, use cases, and challenges

A forgotten keycard, a mistyped password, a misplaced lanyard. The kind of inconveniences that can ruin your day. The wider consequences, however, could be even worse. 

Physical identity management leaves businesses vulnerable to security breaches. As the costs of security breaches soar, you need a solution that’s stronger and more reliable than ever before. In other words: Biometric identity management. This is the modern, secure, and convenient way to safeguard your most important assets. 

This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to biometric identity management. We’ll explore the benefits, real-life use cases, and implementation challenges you might face. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to make your business more secure. 

What is biometric identity management? 

A biometric identity management system turns unique human characteristics into passwords. You can gain access to the spaces and information you need to do your job, simply by proving that your biological or behavioural fingerprints match the ones on record. 

These systems enhance security (they’re much harder to spoof or breach), while also making access more convenient. 

Biometric identity management systems allow businesses to manage the entire lifecycle of a biometric access control account. From enrollment to termination, it’s all about making sure the right person has access at the right time for the right reasons. 

Key biometric technologies and how they work 

The specific technology you choose may differ from other businesses, but the simplified version of most systems follows the same pattern: 

1. Enrollment: A biometric sensor captures a unique trait, securely saving and encrypting the raw data as a digital template or signature. The original image or scan is not usually stored. 
2. Authentication: When an account holder approaches an access point, they present their biometric credential. The system compares the live scan to the template on record. If there’s a match, the system grants access. 

Thinking of the types of biometric systems you’re likely to encounter, we’ve listed some of the most common options below. 

Fingerprint recognition 

Perhaps the most widely known and accepted option, fingerprint recognition uses the unique patterns on your digit(s) to identify you. 

This technology is well-established, relatively inexpensive, and hard-wearing enough for most use cases. 

That said, scanners can be affected by dirt and damage. Plus, the flipside of its relative maturity is that fraudsters have had more time to find weaknesses. 

Facial recognition 

2D or 3D cameras capture an image or video of unique facial features, proportions, contours, and structure. 

This technology is contactless, easy to use, and efficient in busy areas. However, bad lighting, poor angles, expressions, or aging can all impact accuracy. 

Critics also raise privacy concerns, and, without liveness detection, these systems are susceptible to spoofing (e.g. by photos, masks, or deepfakes). 

Iris/retina scanning 

Iris scans analyze the patterns in the iris, while retina scans analyze blood vessel patterns at the back of the eye. 

This technology is accurate, resistant to spoofing, and stable over time as our eyes don’t age in the same way the rest of the human body does. 

The downsides are its higher hardware costs and a less convenient process for the user. 

Palm vein scanning 

Near-infrared light scans the unique patterns of veins beneath the surface of your palm. 

This technology is stable, accurate, contactless, non-invasive, and virtually impossible to forge. 

The downsides are that it’s less well-known and requires quite specific hand positioning on the scanner for successful reading. 

Voice recognition 

A microphone captures a voice sample and analyzes pitch, tone, speaking style, and vocal tract shape. 

It’s great for remote access as the hardware is relatively straightforward and affordable. 

However, if the microphone is in a loud environment – or you happen to have a cold – your reading might be affected. Voices are also easier to mimic than other physical characteristics. 

Behavioral biometrics 

This method analyzes patterns of behavior (for example, typing rhythm, mouse movements, or gait) for authentication. 

These systems offer continuous verification and are difficult to mimic, especially when analyzing multiple characteristics at once. 

Its downsides lie mainly in the fact this technology is still developing and may produce false positives. 

Benefits of biometric identity systems for enterprises 

It’s no wonder biometric identity systems are being adopted at such a rate; they offer significant value to businesses across multiple areas: 

Eliminates reliance on passwords or ID cards 

With biometrics, lost and stolen credentials have become a thing of the past. You can’t leave your eye at home or your hand on the bus. As well as convenience and ease for account holders, this reduces the burden of frequent password resets on the IT team. 

Fast, frictionless experience 

With biometrics, authentication is fast, making access more efficient for employees and visitors. That means fewer queues, increased productivity, and a modern and professional impression. 

Increases security and accuracy 

Using a truly unique identifier boosts security and creates confidence that the people accessing resources are who they say they are. No more unauthorized access, insider threats, or credential sharing. 

Reduces fraud risk 

Unlike passwords, bypassing biometrics requires sophisticated and expensive technology. This means you’re much less vulnerable to phishing and other attacks. 

Levels up access control 

Knowing who is on your premises and when becomes straightforward with biometrics. There’s a consistent protocol for everyone who enters the building, from staff to visitors, vendors, and guests. Visitor check-in is streamlined, and security is tighter. 

Enhances compliance 

Your new system will generate accurate access records. This keeps you on the right side of strict regulatory requirements regarding identity verification and access logging. 

Where biometrics are used: enterprise use cases 

You can find biometric identity management in use across a wide range of environments, often using multiple technologies in one system, to enhance security and efficiency. The possibilities are wide-ranging, but we wanted to share some useful and relevant examples to contextualize biometrics a little more. 

A high-security business facility 

• Facial recognition: Controls entry to buildings and specific floors. 

• Iris scanning: Protects executive suites and server rooms. 

• Fingerprint technology: Protects systems upon login. 

As well as increased security, employees are more productive, and guest arrivals are more efficient. 

A data center 

• Iris and facial scanning: Using multi-factor authentication to access sensitive equipment, network cores, and data storage vaults. 

• Biometric turnstiles: Controlling the flow of personnel at entry points and preventing tailgating. 

Detailed audit logs are created and maintained automatically. As a result, vital data and equipment are more secure and audit trails are always compliant. 

A hospital 

• Fingerprint scanning: Protects patient records, prescription software, and medical devices. 

• Iris scanning: To get into the pharmacy, operating rooms, and restricted patient wards. 

Password fatigue is a thing of the past and confidential data is safer. In the case of error or emergency, every action has been logged. At patient check-in kiosks, facial recognition reduces wait times and ensures patients are who they say they are. 

A bank 

• Fingerprint recognition: To access cash vaults and data archives. 

• Face scanning or voice recognition: For customers to access withdrawals and verify high-value transactions. 

Operations feel streamlined and more secure, which has the downstream effect of boosting customer satisfaction and confidence. 

A government office 

• Facial recognition: Confirms that all people on-site are known and where they should be. 

• Facial recognition: Verifies visitors against national and international watchlists. 

• Iris scanning: Protects specific rooms or areas. 

Both employees and the data they handle are protected and secure. 

Common challenges of biometric identity management 

Biometric technology has many advantages and, overall, is a better choice than written passwords and ID badges. That’s not to say it’s without its challenges, though. 

• Privacy: Biometric data is highly sensitive. You need explicit consent from account holders and strict protocols for gathering and storing the information. 

• Storage: Due to their sensitive nature, biometric templates must be encrypted and tokenized to protect the account holder. 

• Accuracy: There is a small risk of the system generating a false positive or negative. Controlling sensor quality, environment, user behavior, and template aging can reduce this risk. 

• Cost: The initial investment is higher than traditional access systems. 

• User resistance: Though over 50% of consumers use biometrics in their daily lives, concerns over digital identity, privacy, surveillance, or hygiene may create resistance. 

• Scalability: The larger the biometric database, the more powerful processing capabilities you need. It can be challenging to ensure consistent performance across vast numbers of devices and account holders. 

• Continuous improvement: As this is a rapidly growing area of technology, bad actors are also working at speed to improve spoofing methods. Continuous research and development protect against new and emerging threats. 

• Quality control: Poor initial enrollment (a smudged fingerprint or a badly lit photo) can lead to authentication issues. A careful enrollment process can mitigate this. 

• No reset: Replacing a keycard is easy. The same can’t be said for your eyeballs. Enrollment, management, and processing needs to be high quality from the start. 

How acre security supports biometric identity management 

End your reliance on easily compromised credentials – acre security can provide secure, scalable biometric solutions for your organization. With a diverse range of readers on offer, we match our systems to your security needs and environment. We’ll even connect to your other access control mechanisms to create a seamless and streamlined security system. 

As for compliance, we’ve got you covered. Our systems support you in meeting regulatory requirements with strong identity assurance, detailed audit trails, and secure data handling protocols. 

Learn more about dialing up your security with access control solutions. 

Giving identity management the human touch 

Biometric identity management offers advanced security, frictionless access, and the assurance that only the right people have access to your most valuable spaces. 

Whether it’s fingerprints on entry or iris scans before operating priceless machinery, biometrics are a smart string in your access control bow. The overall effect is a more cohesive and secure physical environment. If your security needs are evolving, consider biometrics to guarantee identity assurance and a more efficient security setup. 

Contact acre to discuss your security setup – including biometrics.