Everything You Need to Know About Biometrics Hacking

Biometric authentication, such as face IDs, retina scans, and fingerprints, were introduced to our devices to increase security. At first, it felt like it was doing what it was meant to do. Plus, the convenience it brought with it was top-notch.

I mean, accessing your smartphone with your thumb? Logging into your bank account using your face ID? Amazing.

However, over the past few years, biometrics hacking has become an increasingly popular way for criminals to access sensitive data. Hackers can bypass traditional security measures, such as passwords and personal identification number (PIN) codes, using special tools and techniques to access sensitive information.

In this article, we discuss what you need to know about biometrics hacking.

What is biometrics hacking?

Biometrics hacking is the unauthorized access of a person’s biometric data. This attack can be done through interception of the data during its transmission or by obtaining it from a storage location such as a computer database.

Once the attacker has obtained the biometric data, they can use it to impersonate the victim and gain access to their accounts or confidential information. Biometric data is unique to each individual and cannot be easily changed, making it a valuable target for hackers.

Can biometric data be hacked?

There is no such thing as foolproof security, including biometric data. While it is true that biometric data is more secure than other forms of identification, such as a password or PIN, determined hackers can find a way to bypass biometric security measures.

While biometric data can be hacked, it is still more secure than other forms of identification. This is because it is much harder to fake a fingerprint or iris than to guess a password or PIN.

Additionally, biometric data is often used with other forms of identification, such as a PIN or password, making it even more difficult for hackers to gain access to systems.

How do biometrics get hacked?

There are a few different ways that biometrics can be hacked. One common method is to use a device called a skimmer. This device can be placed on ATMs or other fingerprint scanner machines. The skimmer collects the information from the finger scan and then creates a fake fingerprint that can be used to access the device.

Another technique to hack biometrics is called spoofing. This technique involves using a fake fingerprint or iris that looks similar enough to the real thing to fool the scanner. This attack can be done by taking a picture of the person’s finger or iris or making a mold of their finger.

Another way biometric data can be compromised is through what is called a “replay attack.” This is where a hacker records the biometric data of an authorized user and then plays it back to gain access to the system.

One of the most famous examples of biometric hacking was when a group of hackers used a skimmer to collect the fingerprints of over 1 million people. They then used these fingerprints to access sensitive information like bank accounts and government records.

Hacking biometrics is becoming more common as technology becomes more widespread. It is essential to be aware of how biometrics can be hacked and take steps to protect your own information.

Hacked Biometrics Real-Life Case Studies

In 2015, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) was the victim of a massive data breach in which the personal information of more than 21 million people was compromised. The hackers were able to gain access to fingerprint data belonging to 5.6 million individuals, making it one of the largest known breaches of biometric data.

The hack raised serious concerns about the security of biometric data and the potential for it to be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

In 2016, a team of researchers from Michigan State University demonstrated that it is possible to create fake fingerprints that can fool fingerprint scanners. The researchers created fake fingerprints using gelatin and inkjet printers. They could use these fake fingerprints to unlock smartphones and laptops equipped with fingerprint scanners.

In 2017, a security researcher discovered a flaw in how Android devices handle fingerprint data. The researcher found that it was possible to extract fingerprint data from an Android device and use it to create a 3D-printed replica of a person’s fingerprint. The researcher also found that the Android fingerprint data was not encrypted, which made it easier to steal.

These are just a few examples of how biometric data can be compromised. As we store more and more personal data in digital form, it is, and will, become increasingly important to consider the security risks associated with these types of data.

Biometrics and Multi-Factor Authentication

As good a security as biometrics are, it can only really be effective if used as part of a multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user's identity. In other words, it adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification. There are several reasons why biometrics are more secure with MFA:

• It's more challenging to spoof than other forms of identification, such as passwords or PINs. This is because biometrics are unique to each individual and cannot be easily replicated.
• Biometrics can be used in conjunction with other forms of authentication, such as a password or PIN. This provides an additional layer of security and makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to your account.
• You can use it to verify the identity of a user before they are granted access to a system or application. This helps to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.
• With these security measures combined, you can track and audit user activity. This information can be used to identify unauthorized access or potential security breaches.
• It can be integrated with other security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. This ensures that your network is better protected against attacks.

How to Protect from Biometrics Hacking as a Business

As more and more businesses are using biometrics for security, it's essential to know how to protect your company from biometrics hacking. Here are a few tips:

Use strong authentication methods

To prevent hackers from accessing your systems, it's essential to use strong authentication methods. This includes using multiple-factor authentication, which requires users to provide more than one form of identification.

Educate your employees

Another way to protect your business from biometrics hacking is to educate your employees on the risks and how to avoid them. This includes not sharing their biometric information with others, using strong passwords, and being aware of phishing scams.

Implement security measures

Several security measures can be put in place to protect your business from biometrics hacking. This includes ensuring that only authorized personnel has access to biometric information, using encryption to protect data, and regularly testing systems for vulnerabilities.

Stay up-to-date

One way to protect against identity theft and biometrics hacking is to stay current. By keeping abreast of the latest news and developments in identity theft and biometrics, you can be better prepared to defend yourself against these threats.

Additionally, staying up-to-date can help you spot potential breaches in your security before they occur.

How to Protect from Biometrics Hacking as an Individual

As an individual, there are several steps you can take to protect your biometric data from being hacked.

First, be aware of the risks associated with biometric data. When this information is compromised, it can be used to gain access to your accounts and sensitive personal information.

Second, only use reputable biometric devices and services. Be sure to do your research to find out if a company is reputable before you use its products or services.

Third, keep your biometric data secure. Store it in a safe place where only you can access it. Do not share it with anyone else, and be sure to destroy any copies of it that you no longer need.

Fourth, regularly update your biometric data. This will help to ensure that your information is kept up-to-date and secure.

Don't Rely Completely on Biometric Data

As the world increasingly moves towards a digital landscape, our personal data is becoming more and more vulnerable to theft and hacking. Biometric data, in particular, is a hot commodity for identity thieves and hackers, as it can be used to gain access to sensitive information and accounts.

While biometrics offer a more secure way to protect our data, they are not foolproof. Hackers have found ways to bypass biometric security systems, and as this technology becomes more widespread, we can expect them to continue finding new ways to exploit it.

The best way to protect ourselves is to stay informed about the latest security threats and to use biometric security systems in conjunction with other forms of authentication, such as a PIN or password.

Your employees are your greatest asset – and your greatest liability regarding cyber security. That’s why training them on cyber awareness and culture is so important.