Biometrics technology has changed the way we authenticate users. Learn about the difference between fingerprint authentication and behavioral.
One of the biggest dangers a business owner faces is a data breach. To protect your company and your assets, you need to keep unauthorized users out of your system.
While you may believe that fingerprint authentication would be the best way to make sure only you and your employees are able to see sensitive data, this may not be enough.
Keep reading to learn more about what behavioral authentication is compared to fingerprint verification and to see how it can help you keep your data safe.
What is Fingerprint Authentication?
Because there is a one in 64 billion chance of two people having the same exact fingerprints, this is one of the ways many people protect their data. Today, it’s also easy to do since most smartphones have built-in fingerprint readers.
As secure as this method sounds, there are still ways around it, meaning it’s not enough to prevent a data breach. In Japan, experts were able to get reasonable success getting into protected devices using melted gummy bears, of all things.
This is why the industry now prefers other forms of verification such as behavioral authentication and multi-factor authentication.
What is Behavioral Authentication?
Another type of security is behavioral authentication. This type of security constantly tracks the behavior of a user and picks up on anything suspicious. It can track everything from frequently-used applications to typing speed.
With behavioral authentication in place, you can set up your system to shut certain devices or users down if there is any suspicious behavior. At that point, many systems will then require multi-factor authentication to get back into the device.
Why You Need Multi-factor Authentication
The core of multi-factor authentication is that you have to present two or more pieces of evidence to prove who you are before you’ll be granted access to a file or system. This helps ensure the user is who they say they are.
The basic types of evidence for multi-factor authentication fall into three main categories:
- Something you know (a password, for example)
- Something you own (like a smartphone)
- Something you have (fingerprints or other biometric data)
You may also need to present some contextual information that’s unique to you such as your geographical location.
It’s easy to see that when someone is required to provide at least two of these pieces of information, it’s far more difficult for an unauthorized user to gain access. After all, a hacker can get ahold of your password, but they likely don’t also have your smartphone and certainly don’t have your fingerprint.
Ready to Keep Your Data Secure?
Now you know the difference between behavioral and fingerprint verification. As you can see, the multi-factor authentication is the best way to protect your data and, as a result, your business.
If you’re ready to ensure your data is always kept out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have it, request a demo. Then, you’ll get to see for yourself how it works and how safe it can make your company.
