Reduce the risks of biometric data breaches with these smart cybersecurity practices
Biometric technology—think fingerprints and facial scans—has become a part of everyday life. From unlocking your phone to speeding through airport security, it’s pitched as a way to make things faster, easier, and more secure. But as these systems become more common, they’re also catching the attention of cybercriminals, raising serious questions about how safe this technology really is.
Unlike passwords, biometric data can’t be changed. If your fingerprint or facial scan is hacked, you can’t just reset it. That permanence makes it especially attractive to hackers, who could use your stolen data to commit identity theft, carry out fraud, or sell it on the dark web. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Customer Data Privacy and Security survey, 67 per cent of people said they’re worried their biometric data could be misused if it’s stored in the cloud.
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And there’s good reason to worry. Most biometric systems store data on cloud-based platforms. While this approach allows companies to scale their services and roll out updates quickly, it also creates vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can intercept data during transmission or exploit weaknesses in cloud storage systems to access sensitive information. These risks aren’t limited to high-stakes environments like nuclear power plants or military bases; they also apply to gyms, workplaces, and even schools that are adopting biometric systems for everyday use.
Some organizations are beginning to move away from cloud storage, turning instead to localized systems that process and store data directly on devices or secure smart cards. Your smartphone, for example, likely uses this method to store encrypted fingerprint data locally, making it harder for hackers to access. High-security environments, such as nuclear facilities, are increasingly implementing on-site biometric systems to remove the risks of transmitting information over a network.
While localized storage is a step forward, it’s not without its own challenges. Devices must be robust enough to withstand tampering, and scaling this technology to serve millions of users can be expensive. Manufacturers are working on solutions, such as advanced encryption techniques and biometric templates—mathematical representations of biometric data instead of raw images. According to cybersecurity reports from Dark Reading—a respected source for cybersecurity information—these templates are significantly harder for hackers to exploit, even if they manage to steal them.
For everyday users, there are also steps you can take to protect your biometric data. Cybersecurity experts suggest sticking to devices that store data locally, turning on multi-factor authentication, and keeping your software up to date. It’s also a good idea to research how a company handles your biometric data before using their services. If they can’t tell you whether your data is encrypted, where it’s stored, or who has access to it, it might be worth thinking twice.
There’s another side to the story too. It’s not just hackers who pose a threat. Some companies may misuse biometric data, either by sharing it with third parties or failing to keep it secure. Privacy advocates recommend reading the fine print of privacy policies and asking questions if anything seems unclear.
Biometric systems offer convenience, but they also come with risks you shouldn’t ignore. As these technologies continue to spread, companies and governments need to tighten security standards and build systems that prioritize user privacy. At the same time, it’s up to all of us to take steps to safeguard our own data.
After all, your biometric information is unique—and worth protecting.
| Science and Technology Desk
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