š¹ Definition
Biometric Authentication is a method of identity verification that uses unique biological or behavioral characteristics of an individualāsuch as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, voice, or typing rhythmāto confirm identity. It is widely used in digital onboarding, secure access control, financial transactions, and regulatory compliance workflows, especially in KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) contexts.
Because biometric traits are unique to each person and difficult to forge, biometric authentication offers a high level of security and user convenience compared to traditional password or document-based systems.
š¹ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What types of biometric data are commonly used for authentication?
Common biometric modalities include:
- Fingerprint recognition
- Facial recognition
- Iris or retina scans
- Voice recognition
- Behavioral biometrics (e.g., typing speed, mouse movement)
Q2: Is biometric authentication secure?
Yes, it is considered highly secure due to the uniqueness of biometric traits. However, it must be supported by proper data encryption, secure storage, and anti-spoofing mechanisms to prevent misuse or identity fraud.
Q3: How is biometric authentication used in AML/KYC compliance?
It is often used during customer onboarding to verify that the individual presenting an ID document is the rightful owner. For example, facial recognition may be used to match a selfie with a passport photo, strengthening identity assurance and reducing impersonation risk.
Q4: Are there legal or privacy concerns with using biometrics?
Yes. The collection and use of biometric data are subject to strict privacy and data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, PDPA). Organizations must obtain explicit user consent, ensure data is stored securely, and comply with jurisdiction-specific rules on biometric processing.
