Mateusz Watt 
Unmatched identification, seamless integration, and intuitive interaction make biometric security an attractive solution for smart homes. However, these systems are vulnerable to hackers that can steal and spoof their information.
Sensors capture biometric data, which is scanned and algorithmically compared against information stored in a database to verify identity. The process takes seconds and eliminates the need for PINs or passwords, which can be forgotten or compromised.
Authentication
A biometric sensor uses a physical characteristic, like an eye, face or fingerprint, to verify identity. It eliminates the need to memorize or type complex passwords and unlocks devices with a touch, scan, or voice command.
The best biometric systems store data directly on a device and protect it with encryption. This means that even if hackers steal a device’s biometric data, they won’t have access to the full image of the user and can’t use it to gain more widespread access to services.
Still, a biometric security system isn’t completely foolproof. Some hacking techniques can spoof a biometric sensor using various methods, such as downloading a photo of someone’s face or using fake silicone fingerprints. This is why it’s important to practice zero trust security and implement strong anti-spoofing capabilities in your systems.
Seamless Integration
In a world where most of us use passwords or PINs to log in, biometric verification is becoming the new standard. Biometric scanning allows users to log in without fumbling for keys or typing out long passwords, and it’s far harder to hack than a password database.
Biometric scanners can scan a variety of features like facial recognition, fingerprints, iris, vein or voice, which are all unique to the individual and difficult to fake. They’re also a good choice for work-from-anywhere employees who face increased risks from shoulder surfers, stolen devices with sensitive data and unsecured domestic Wi-Fi.
However, these systems can also be prone to ethical concerns over how biometric data is collected and stored. It’s important for companies to build trust with their customers by clearly educating them about the use of these technologies and ensuring that any collected data is stored securely and not used for purposes other than authenticating access. This helps avoid breaches and fraud.
Effortless Access
The unique characteristics of a person such as fingerprints, eye color, and voice can be used to securely identify individuals and eliminate the need for passwords or access cards. Biometrics also provide an added layer of security since they cannot be stolen or lost like a traditional key or password.
Biometric authentication is a quick and non-intrusive process, typically taking less than a second to verify identity with a scan or a simple voice command. Using biometrics eliminates the need for homeowners to keep track of or remember passwords and allows them to use their smart home systems with ease.
Although biometrics are very secure, they can still be hacked. Hackers may be able to duplicate or mimic a person’s biometrics to gain access, but modern systems include anti-spoofing features that send real-time alerts to users when the system detects unusual activity, like an attempt to copy someone else’s password or fingerprint. These systems will also quickly deny access if there is a suspicious activity.
Real-Time Alerts
Biometric data is used to create a unique profile that will be compared against future attempts at login. This type of authentication requires that users follow certain best practices like implementing strong passwords, using multiple logins and keeping devices updated to ensure that hackers can’t access the data or steal biometrics.
Physiological biometrics can be scanned with devices like fingerprint and facial recognition scanners found on most mobile devices. These types of sensors need to offer anti-spoofing capabilities as hackers are constantly looking for ways to circumvent these technologies.
Biometric data can’t be reset like a password, so it must be stored securely. To do this, many systems keep the data on-device and protect it with encryption to ensure that, even if it is stolen, the data can’t be retrieved. Additionally, many companies offer a fallback option where a device PIN or password can be entered to unlock the device in case a biometric security system is compromised.
