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There are two main types of cyber security, physical and digital. Physical security can take place in secured locations such as banks and other financial institutions. It requires physically installing equipment that collects data such as fingerprints and other identifying information. Digital information on the other hand is not so physical. There are various types of information that can be protected using biometrics. It would not require physical access to collect this information.
When dealing with cyber security it helps to first understand the concept. The goal of a network is to restrict access to specific information or resources. For example, there may be a restricted amount of bandwidth for use by a government agency or a private firm. It would be easy for a cyber security agency or hacker to get around such limitations. The same concept applies to physical security features that prevent someone from gaining access to a building or room.
Biometrics can be used as a means of restricting access to a room or building. A person enters a room and provides a password or biometric token. This token contains information that matches a stored profile. If the person is attempting to gain access to the information stored in that area, they must provide a finger print or a retinal scan. If those parameters are met, the individual is granted access into the restricted area. This helps to ensure the safety of that area.
In order to implement this type of security, however, it is important for an organization to collect information about people. This is where a database is created. This database contains identifying information about everyone in a physical or virtual setting. This includes all employees, contractors, and students. From this information, it is possible to create a database that can match a person to a set of biometrics. If a match is found, the person is granted access to the restricted area.
A variety of reasons exist for collecting this information. The most common is to determine whether or not a person’s security clearances should be revoked due to criminal activity. There may also be concerns about a worker being subjected to hostile environments, or that a person poses a physical or psychological threat. All of these situations may justify the use of biometrics as a means of verifying identity and preventing access to restricted areas.
These methods are very effective, especially when properly implemented. They are a proven deterrent against a wide range of threats. That being said, no system is infallible. No system is 100 percent safe. However, with regular monitoring and proper use by trained professionals, threats can be greatly reduced and the effectiveness of a cyber security system can increase.
Applying Biometrics in Cybersecurity: More Than Just Software
The application of biometrics in combating cyber crimes is a fast emerging field. As a leading information security firm dedicated to helping businesses secure the information they need and the people they work with, our company has seen many applications for biometrics in defending against cyber attacks. It’s not enough just to prevent breaches by hackers into your company’s network. You must also do everything you can to defend against outside threats, too. Some attacks originate from within your company, while others are done by third parties looking to infiltrate your networks for their own gain. When it comes to the former, we have always known that prevention is always better than cure, but when it comes to the latter — you have to act!
Our company’s rigorous research in the security and intelligence field has revealed that there are several ways for an outside party to penetrate your network using a technique called “backchannel”. In short, this means that an attacker gains access to your systems through a breach in your IT system — or a “backdoor” as experts like to call it. Once inside, they can exfiltrate data, delete files, alter accounts, or perform any number of malicious activities. Removing the backchannel way of gaining unauthorized access can often defeat a high quality defense against this type of attack.
In order to protect yourself from backchannel attacks, you need to deploy state-of-the-art biometric systems that perform iris scanning, fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, finger print scanning, voice imprinting and facial recognition. These technologies are not just the newest toys for spy agencies. They offer real protection against intruders and the misuse of data by people who shouldn’t be on your network. These biometric systems can be configured to take different actions based on whether an intruder is a member of your organization or an outside infiltrator.
Because traditional password-based authentication methods fail by exposing users to risk of identity theft, and because they aren’t practical for use in all circumstances, the application of biometrics in combating cyber crime requires a hybrid approach. The first step is to apply and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your current security measures. Once these have been assessed and a plan developed, a perimeter protection strategy should then be implemented, including application of biometrics.
Unfortunately, implementing this type of security measure involves much more than software developers and IT professionals. It also involves government agencies and law enforcement agencies that must coordinate closely with the private sector. This is because the use of biometrics requires an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all employees who may find themselves in the security breach. As well, it requires regular monitoring to determine if new threats or vulnerabilities exist, so that appropriate countermeasures can be put into place.
This is why application of biometrics in combating cyber crime presents such a significant threat to the security interests of many individuals and businesses. Without a concrete understanding of what risks are involved in relying on biometric systems to provide authentication, it will be easy for a business owner to simply avoid them. However, ignoring the potential for biometric authentication breaches represents a much bigger mistake — one that could potentially cost companies and individuals dearly in terms of both reputation and assets. By understanding the full breadth of the potential consequences when security measures are not implemented correctly, it is clear that biometric systems represent a serious threat to the interests of those who cannot afford to take any risks — and therefore a necessity for all Americans who want to ensure the security of their financial, personal, and business interests.
