Biometric characteristics are the physical and biological features unique to every individual. These are saved in a database and can be easily compared to the user attempting to access the data or device. Such biometric authentication can be placed in various physical environments such as doors, gates, server rooms, military bases, airports, and ports. Today, biometric authentication tools have become a part of most consumer devices, particularly computers and smartphones. 

Fingerprint scanners scan the swirls and ridges unique to every person’s fingertips. Current technological advances have resulted in scanners that go beyond fingerprint ridges to scan for vascular patterns. This has helped bring down false positives that occasionally occur with consumer-grade biometric options found on smartphones. Fingerprint scanners continue to remain the most accessible and popular. 

Face scanners, like the fingerprint scanner, the face scanners scan a face based on approved and stored parameters and measurements. These parameters are collectively called faceprints. Access is granted only when a large number of them are satisfied. Despite the inconsistency in matching faces to parameters from different angles or distinguishing between similar or related people, facial recognition is included in several smart devices.

Biometric authentication brings an additional layer of security due to the uniqueness of the features and the difficulty of replicating data of fingerprints,  faceprints, or voice prints; this would stop any chance of theft.

Additionally, with such forms of authentication, the chances of employee error are reduced. For example, a stolen or lost key card can be used to steal data — but with authentication, employees don’t have to worry about such things.

Moreover, it helps with restricting access to accounts and devices can be restricted by utilising biometric authentication. Providing access only to a person with the right permissions. There is the added advantage of the stored data for biometrics not lending itself to being duplicated. For example, with a fingerprint reader, data on the finger’s unique swirls is stored and not the actual images of the fingerprint itself. This reduces any chance of a breach of security and reduces the need to update protective passwords continually.

Finger or Face Print can replace passwords since passwords are simply not secure enough any longer, even if an organisation uses a two-factor password authentication method. This is because people tend to use the same combination of words or numbers or even the same passwords across the board. Cracking the passwords becomes easy for hackers as they use sophisticated techniques and are always improving them.

Biometric authentication completely replaces the need for traditional passwords making it much easier for companies with a large number of employees. It also removes the hassle of continually updating passwords or resetting them.

Lastly, it minimises human error since most traditional authentication forms depend on employees who are responsible for storing passwords, codes, and key cards. A lot hinges on human error, which is hard to completely eliminate. Employees can share access details via email, through messages, or verbally intentionally, or unintentionally. Biometric authentication significantly reduces the chances of password sharing.