Definition:
Biometric authentication uses unique biological traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, to verify an individual's identity and grant access to systems or devices.
Use Cases:
- Widely used in mobile devices to unlock phones and authorize transactions.
- Employed in corporate environments and high-security areas to verify user identities.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What are the advantages of biometric authentication?
Biometric authentication provides a high level of security as it relies on unique physical traits that are difficult to replicate or steal.
- How does biometric authentication compare to traditional passwords?
Biometric authentication is generally more secure and user-friendly, as users don't need to remember complex passwords. However, it also raises privacy concerns. Biometrics can still be hacked and organizations that store users’ personal information tend to be under constant threat from hackers.
- What are some common uses of biometric authentication?
Biometric authentication is commonly used in smartphones, access control systems, and secure government facilities to verify identities. It is often used as a second layer of security to prevent accounts from being easily hacked.