The Weekly Cypher is specially curated to keep you up-to-date on the latest in cybersecurity, biometrics, and related news and innovations. This week’s topics are:
Biometrics in Everyday Life | Forbes
Security isn’t the only area where biometric authentication is seeing a rise in popularity. With the market size for biometrics expected to triple by 2022, industries from healthcare to entertainment are expanding their use of biometrics for a variety of reasons. Biometric authentication is helping speed up user identification, simplify login and access control to mobile apps and personal accounts, and even track user behavior and reactions. It isn’t just the potential use cases for biometrics that are driving this growth either. New wearable technologies and innovation in biometric sensors are allowing for a variety of new uses. [Read More]
Starbucks adds Fingerprint Login to Mobile App | Android Police
Starbucks fans and coffee addicts rejoice, the popular cafe chain has added biometric authentication to its mobile app, allowing customers to log into the app, transfer funds, reload gift cards, and more, using Touch ID and the Android equivalent. While most Starbucks locations allowed for mobile payments already, this addition shows the company embracing biometric security like so many others and providing a convenient way for customers to access their app. [Read More]
Airport Face Recognition Might Not Align With Privacy Rules | ACLU
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency recently launched their Traveler Verification Service (TVS), designed to improve security and expedite boarding and security checks in airports. The use of facial recognition to identify travelers exiting the United States could provide some benefits, but some experts warn that it may not align with privacy best practices, due to the pervasive nature of “checkpoint technology” and inevitable “mission creep.” Any uses of biometric verification for travel should be subjected to the utmost scrutiny to ensure traveler data is kept secure and private, and the U.S. government has not had the strongest track record for protecting biometric data. [Read More]
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Might Include In-Display Fingerprint Sensor | The Verge
Amid the rush of rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8, new rumors indicate that Samsung may be focusing on an in-display fingerprint reader for the next iteration of the Note. Both companies have struggled to include a fingerprint sensor embedded under the display in their efforts to eliminate a home button. Apple is rumored to be focusing on facial recognition instead of Touch ID for the iPhone 8, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 moved the fingerprint sensor to the rear of the device, a move harshly criticized by users. [Read More]
Consistency is the Key to Authentication Experience | CSO
Whether a business uses two-factor authentication, biometrics-based authentication, or some other solution, the key to creating an experience that end users will be comfortable with is consistency. Not only does user adoption rely on this, but so does security, because without end users embracing the solution, you’ll lose any and all security benefits it is intended to provide. Whether it’s a strong authentication solution with single sign on or a multi factor authentication strategy, make sure the login experience is consistent across services and accounts. [Read More]
