Technology moves fast, and one area that’s quickly becoming part of everyday business life is biometrics. Instead of typing in a password, more people are logging in with a fingerprint, a facial scan, or even voice recognition. It’s quick, easy, and it feels more secure. No more forgotten passwords or sticky notes under keyboards.
But as with most things in technology, convenience comes with a catch.
Unlike a password, you can’t change your fingerprint. You can’t “reset” your face. So if your biometric data is compromised, it’s not just a minor headache – it’s potentially a long-term problem.
And that has business owners starting to take a second look at how this data is being used and protected.
Biometric information is now among the most valuable types of data a business can hold. That makes it a prime target for hackers. If your systems store fingerprint or facial data – especially if you’re using it for employee or client logins – you’ve got to treat that data like gold.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals already know how powerful biometric credentials are. Unlike a password that can be changed in minutes, biometric data is permanent. That’s part of what makes it so attractive to attackers.
On underground markets, this type of information is sold at a premium. Criminals can use it to get past identity checks, access systems, and even impersonate someone online.
So what’s the best way to protect your business? The first step is understanding where and how this data is stored. If you’re using devices that store biometric information locally – such as a smartphone or a fingerprint reader on a laptop – that’s often safer than storing it in a central database.
Local storage keeps the data off the network, which makes it harder for hackers to get to.
However, if you do need to store biometric data on a server – maybe for time tracking, door access, or centralized logins – it needs to be properly secured.
That means strong encryption, keeping it separate from other sensitive data, and limiting who has access to it. You’ll also want to monitor and log any changes or login attempts.
If you’re using third-party apps or devices that rely on biometric login, make sure you know how those vendors handle security. Read the privacy policy, ask questions, and check whether they’ve had any past data breaches.
Not all providers treat this data with the care it deserves, and you don’t want to find that out the hard way.
Done right, biometrics can be a great tool. They streamline access, make logins easier, and reduce password fatigue for your team. But they need to be handled with the same (or even more) care than a traditional password system.
Bottom line: If you’re going to use something as personal as a fingerprint or a face scan to unlock your business systems, make sure you’re the only one with the key.
Want help reviewing your current biometric security practices? We’re happy to chat. Reach out today.