The global biometric system market size was valued at 33.18 billion USD in 2023 and is projected to grow from 36.57 billion in 2024 to reach 113.22 billion by 2032, Fortune Business Insights highlights. The immense growth of the market provides a peek into the popularity of biometrics. Which continues to evolve in innovative ways. When used in mobile applications, many opt into biometric authentication for the sake of convenience and security. While biometric authentication presents a variety of advantages in terms of the user experience, there are several concerns (and precautions) to be aware of.

An Overview of the Advantages

Biometric authentication methods have become increasingly popular since the debut of the Pantech GI100’s fingerprint sensor back in 2004. Today, a variety of authentication methods exist. From fingerprint and facial recognition to iris and voice recognition. The technology can now be found as a fixture in a number of mobile apps. For example, bank apps implement biometric authentication technology in order to safeguard user information. While e-commerce applications use the technology to validate purchases. Smartphones also possess the ability to use biometric authentication in order to gain access to certain apps in the first place. A notion that aims to add a layer of security right from the start. 

When used in mobile apps, biometric authentication can enable smoother use through the bypass of tedious manual passwords. Which can be difficult to remember and more vulnerable to security threats. It’s also incredibly accurate. And has improved greatly over time. One study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the accuracy of biometrics rose from 96% to 99.8%. “Most people use some form of biometrics every day, but they want more opportunities to use it to make their lives easier and more secure,” remarks Toby Rush, the CEO and founder of EyeVerify. Rush goes on to note that banks and payment providers can build brand trust by “giving customers the user experience they want.” 

NordVPN survey

A NordVPN survey unveils a variety of insights in regard to how people use and view biometric authentication. In the United States, for instance, half of the country uses biometric authentication daily. Furthermore, one third (32%) of all respondents use a fingerprint scan daily. Which makes it the preferred biometric authentication technology. In regard to the user experience as it relates to biometric authentication. There is significant data available that provides some insight on the matter. FIDO Alliance’s 2023 Online Authentication Barometer report. For instance, it reveals that people enter a password manually nearly four times a day on average (or around 1,280 times a year). However, the report also unveils the fact that biometric authentication is the preferred method for consumers to sign into online accounts, apps, and smart devices. Convenience is just one benefit that can make online activity much smoother. As biometric authentication effectively cuts out the need to remember and enter a complicated password. 

The Potential Security Risks Involved 

While there are a plethora of advantages involved, the integration of biometrics presents security challenges that one must be aware of, particularly in regard to security vulnerabilities. One of the primary concerns is the fact that biometric data is still data. Which means that it is just as vulnerable to security risks as other data. Furthermore, it’s important to take into account that this data is unchangeable, like a password or bank card is. You can’t change your fingerprint if it’s leaked. One 2023 report from the US Department of Defense flagged a serious “security blind spot” in regard to biometrics, as heightened security is often lacking from organizations. Other security concerns include spoof attacks, data breaches, technical errors, and privacy violations, one LinkedIn article highlights. Each of these can severely impact the user experience. And can result in less trust in biometric authentication methods.

An instance of malware in Southeast Asia, dubbed “GoldPickaxe,” unveils the security concerns that surround biometric data. The malware was developed by an unidentified Chinese-language group, and its variants work across both iOS and Android devices. The Dark Reading article explains that the Trojan masquerades as a government service app “in order to trick primarily older victims into scanning their faces.” From there, attackers use the scans in order to create deep fakes, which are then able to bypass biometric security checks at Southeast Asian banks. Group-IB recommends that banks turn to “sophisticated user session monitoring” and advises bank customers to avoid interactions with suspicious links. Another recommendation by Group-IB is to use official app stores in order to download mobile applications, review permissions of apps, and verify the legitimacy of bank communications. To highlight a few cited by Dark Reading.

A Look to the Future

Biometric authentication has great potential in regard to future applications. A 2023 Forbes post highlights the fact that the technology is expected to evolve in ways that can be more convenient to users. Nacho De Marco of BairesDev. For instance, it expects voice biometrics to become “the next big thing,” and for good reason. “Voices have several differentiating factors, including tone, pitch, pacing, and fluctuations in sound.” As a result, each individual has an incredibly unique voice. Enabling healthcare providers and banks to use voice recognition technology to secure sensitive information, as Nacho De Marco highlights. Behavior-based biometrics is also gaining popularity, as ComputerWeekly explains. By authenticating individuals through their unique interaction patterns rather than physical traits. Rather than the physical appearance of one’s face or a fingerprint. This approach focuses on how a user interacts with their device via factors like scroll patterns or typing rhythms. ComputerWeekly goes on to note that this type of authentication could be useful for bank apps, especially when it comes to routine tasks that a user may perform—like regular balance checks.

Biometric Authentication

Forbes also highlights the fact that biometric information must be kept secure by companies that utilize it. Which can contribute to a better user experience. Furthermore, it’s important to note that users shouldn’t solely rely on biometric authentication. One Samsung Insights article highlights the importance of traditional device unlock methods, such as passwords, patterns, and PINs. “Having biometrics on your device doesn’t replace the need for a traditional authentication method—it just gives you the convenience of not having to enter your password, pattern, or PIN every time you sign in.” This logic can be applied to the verification that a mobile application uses as well—you shouldn’t rely on just one authentication method. Instead, the convenience of biometric authentication can complement an extra-strong password (which won’t need to be inputted all the time). 

Biometric authentication serves as a popular method for a number of mobile apps. While advantages associated with the technology range from security to convenience. Users must be aware of the potential risks out there in addition to the precautions. In conclusion, the nandbox App Builder offers a robust solution for businesses to create customized mobile apps without coding expertise.