The past two years have demonstrated biometric technology’s positive influence on our daily lives. Biometric applications in healthcare, finance, cloud computing, and online applications have easily integrated technology into our everyday life. As with any other digital technology, it is impossible to precisely foresee the future of biometric technology, which has become an integral part of the modern digital ecosystem. Nonetheless, adequate evidence indicates that the biometric industry will continue to expand rapidly.
According to the most recent report by EMERGEN Research, the biometric industry attained revenue of US$44 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 14.8% between 2022 and 2027. Let’s examine some of the most innovative technological innovations shaping the future.
Here are the top six biometric technology developments that organisations should look out for in 2022:
#1 Cybercrimes Adapt to Artificial Intelligence
As Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities grow more prevalent in our daily lives, cybercriminals have gotten more sophisticated in detecting target systems and employing tech-driven tools. As artificial intelligence refines attackers’ strategies, they can now attack systems ruthlessly and consistently, concentrating on their weak points. Deepfake is an example of an AI-based cyberattack that exploits identification systems by imitating the facial characteristics of victims. Therefore, the rate of evolution of these complex risks will continue to increase in 2022 and beyond.
#2 Trustworthy Identity Verification Systems
Sharing economy platforms, such as Uber, Airbnb, and a variety of other businesses that connect people via P2P services, are continuously searching for new strategies to establish their reputation. Consequently, this sector has increased the use of identity authentication with non-shareable credentials. Using non-shareable credentials allows companies to offer services that make them more trustworthy and improve the customer experience.
#3 Non-Transferable Credentials
Restricting authentication to a specific person is a pressing problem for many businesses, from banking institutions to school systems to the sharing economy. It’s difficult for ride-sharing companies, for example, to guarantee that drivers and customers are who they say they are.
Therefore, it’s challenging for businesses to maintain a check and balance on the driver to see if registered entities are executing their tasks. Since credentials and devices can be freely traded or taken by force, biometric authentication will lead the way in this space.
#4 Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services
The Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulations will redefine how companies relate with their customers in 2022. eIDAS is an automated system that lets businesses verify their clients’ identities and government-issued documents. eIDAS will increase inclusion by allowing individuals to interact online, reducing the environmental footprint of travel, improving efficiency, and providing a cost-effective choice to encourage international commerce for economic growth.
People and businesses in Europe expect to see much work done in 2022 and beyond to ensure customer confidence, verify the credibility of online transactions, and secure access to services.
#5 Unstaffed Stores
The concept of unstaffed stores emerged after the coronavirus pandemic destabilized the global order – and has never looked back since. Before entering these businesses, consumers are asked to download a smartphone application that must be scanned. Furthermore, AI-backed facial biometric recognition devices are also installed to verify clients.
A series of digital cameras are also deployed to monitor customers and record their activities, including the things they carry in their bags. Numerous pilot stores without employees have opened but are still in the testing phase. However, 2022 seems to be the year when such stores become prevalent.
#6 NFC-Powered Travel Solutions
Global transit networks use contactless technologies to promote a safer travel environment for passengers on buses, trains, and airports. Due to COVID-19, public transportation and activities have become a possible risk for customers. Service providers are aware that they must overcome new challenges to sustain and build ridership and maintain and establish confidence in their services.
Businesses employ biometric technology solutions to provide a safer travel environment, from mask compliance to cleaning initiatives. In addition, NFC-based payments allow users to tap their chip-based identification card on the NFC-powered device installed at the terminal.
Conclusion
Traditional passwords have long been the weak point for many security systems. Fortunately, modern cybersecurity concentrates on eliminating the risks associated with this powerful security solution. Biometrics address this issue by connecting proof of identity to our bodies and behavioral patterns.
Biometric technology is quickly replacing the conventional ways of identity authentication, which have many flaws and are easy to hack. Biometrics strikes the perfect balance between security and ease of use.
Even if fingerprint scanners are integrated into smartphones and many computers, there is still potential for innovation in the authentication and payment applications of the technology. Banks, tech companies, and payment companies are trying new methods of identifying customers based on their unique physical attributes. The objective is to enhance security while streamlining customer onboarding and verification.
