Technological advances have been transforming our society for decades now. For example, most industries at this point have digitized their processes to run more efficiently. However, some of the more futuristic tech that once seemed like the stuff of science fiction is also now becoming a reality.
The latest innovations sweeping across the world are those that involve advanced identification and verification tech, which makes sense. As the world goes increasingly digital and access to information is easier than ever, the need for more advanced security measures to protect sensitive data has become apparent.
This article will discuss some of the most recent and trending ID and verification technologies, as well as privacy concerns and cybersecurity considerations to keep in mind when implementing these new technologies.
Biometric Technology
Biometric technologies, which are systems that use unique physical characteristics like fingerprints to allow access, are nothing new. The government, for example, has been using biometrics in security protocols for years. However, as biometric tech has advanced and become more accessible, we are now seeing a vast array of biometric innovations being used by many businesses and organizations.
For example, a banking company in the U.K. hopes to make customer calls more secure using biometric voice technology. The idea is that customers will repeat a short phrase to create a unique voice print which will then be used anytime they call in from their registered number instead of having them enter or speak personal ID information over the phone.
Biometric fingerprint scanning on smartphone devices is also getting more advanced to increase security measures. Smartphone manufacturer OPPO, for example, is offering a sophisticated new technology that uses a sensor system with a scanning area that is 15x larger and can scan two fingerprints simultaneously.
In Ukraine, a new tablet device is being used that has an advanced Sherlock FAP 45 fingerprint sensor for passport scanning to ensure better border security. And IDEMIA, a leader in identity technologies, has launched IDEMIA 3D Face, which enables more accurate 3D facial recognition.
Of course, biometrics aren’t only used for ID verification. In the workplace, for example, many companies now use biometric wearables for their employees to better manage and improve their health and well-being.
Identity Cards
Another innovative technology being used for identity and access management comes in the form of smart ID cards. These cards have a built-in micro processing chip, which enables them to perform calculations and process data. They also have embedded physical and logical security mechanisms, such as Faraday cage embodiment, scrambled addressing of memory, and light detection.
Combined with the embedded chips and mechanisms, what also makes these cards so secure is that they only work if the right person is in possession of the card. This is through the use of biometric identification systems that are recorded when a person enrolls and sets up their card. So, the card is linked only to them and their unique personal characteristics.
Implanted Microchips
Microchip implants may be the most science fiction-like of the latest ID and verification technologies. While seemingly farfetched, the concept of these devices is simple. A person would have a microchip implanted in their body, such as the brain, giving them access to certain things. For example, having the chip could allow them access to restricted areas at a business, allow them to access computer networks, enable tracking using geolocation, or even enabling them to use their implanted chip to make purchases.
While chip implants in the brain are still being studied, the FDA has already approved implantable chips in other parts of the body, such as the hand or wrist, for accessing medical records. In fact, one family in the U.S. has already been chosen as guinea pigs to test out this technology, making them the first people in America to be implanted with microchips containing their personal data.
However, America is not the only country utilizing this kind of tech. The Swedes are also now inserting microchips under their skin for various purposes.
Thousands in Sweden have already had these chips implanted, allowing them to make their lives more convenient in numerous ways. With the swipe of their hand, they can easily access their homes, gyms, offices, and more. The chips can also store their emergency contact information and social media profiles.
SJ, a travel company in Sweden, is also now allowing passengers to use these implanted chips in lieu of a traditional train ticket. Instead of carrying around a physical paper ticket, they can simply swipe their hand, which contains that chip that holds their e-ticket information.
Privacy Concerns With New Forms of ID Verification
Of course, with any new technology, there are always concerns regarding privacy and security. VeriChip, one of the companies testing out chip implants, for example, recently merged with a credit monitoring service, which has privacy activists concerned.
This is not the only example of public concern over privacy issues. Though these new ID and verification technologies are meant to make data and access management more secure, there are certainly ways that these technologies can be abused.
Just as technology advances, so do cyber threats. When a company or organization decides to implement a new technology, such as biometric scanners, smart ID cards, or chip implants, it is still necessary for cybersecurity precautions to be taken to avoid data breaches.
This includes using other technologies and cybersecurity practices, such as blockchain technology, to make accessing sensitive data more challenging. But it also means staying on top of incident reporting.
By regularly reporting security incidents, companies can stay on top of the threats they face. Knowing what happened and how it happened can also enable companies to adjust their security protocols going forward to prevent future data breaches and cyber-attacks.
In Summary
It is truly amazing what technologies we have at our fingertips today. The biometric sensors market alone is booming and already bringing in billions of dollars. And as these technologies continue to become more advanced, there’s no telling what the future of Identification and verification will look like.
Miles Oliver
Tags: Biometrics, ID, Technologies
