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Whilst convenient, the below comment looks at how now biometrics and newer
authentication methods are now becoming mainstream, the question over security sill
remains. As where users can easily mitigate password hacks by simply changing
passwords, consumers cant change their fingerprint or facial geometry, potentially
leading to a lifetime of problems if biometric methods are compromised.

The news from the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 press conference that it is launching the
new device with an integrated Iris scanner, is great news for the continued success
of biometric-authentication technology - especially following the announcement from
Barclays earlier this week around its new voice-recognition technology for telephone
and online banking.

Biometrics have been an interest for enterprise IT for some time and it seems the
newer authentication methods are now becoming mainstream. Yet as biometric methods
continue to become more popular, the questions over their security remain.
Biometrics may be more convenient for consumers but as the legal and privacy
implications evolve, the related security risks with using this form of access need
to be considered.

It turns out this new wave of biometric techniques put consumers in a new kind of
risk. Users can easily mitigate passwords hacks by simply changing passwords. The
hack of a finger print or iris scan however can lead to a lifetime of problems for
consumers as a person can’t change their fingerprint or facial geometry.

The best thing to do for those looking to ensure the security of their products and
consumer data should be to use biometrics as an additional layer of authentication
as part of a wider Identity and Access Management (IAM) strategy.