5 Reasons To Use Biometrics To Secure Mobile Devices

It is no secret that mobile devices are under attack. From phishing scams to a host of other issues, mobile devices are increasingly seen as a vulnerability in the enterprise, and as an easy target for hackers.

To enhance mobile device security, many enterprises are turning to biometrics. This technology is a way to restrict access to only those users who are authorized on the network. It is so popular that nearly all mobile devices will incorporate this technology by 2020.

Biometric authentication is when a computer uses measurable biological characteristics, instead of a password, for identification and providing access. Examples of this include face recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, and iris recognition.

Although enterprises are leveraging this technology to secure devices, not every organization is on board. Here are five reasons to use this solution:

1. It Eliminates The Threat Of Passwords

Although having a strong password is a necessity for preventing mobile device threats, it also represents one of the largest attack vectors. Over 80% of all company data breachesare attributed to having a weak password. In fact, the most common password for devices is 123456. Some workers also use the same password for their device as their email, which makes it easier for hackers to infiltrate them. Passwords can easily be stolen by hackers if a user leaves it in an unsecure place.

Even if your organization enforces a policy that requires strong passwords, mobile devices could still be at risk. A two-factor authentication with passwords can easily be breached, with numerous companies unable to rely on them to stop hackers.

To some security professionals, passwords account for one of the most archaic methods of achieving mobile device security. But replacing passwords with this technology, an organization can reduce the risk of a mobile data breach.

2. More Convenient For Users

If implemented correctly, biometrics could serve as a more convenient security method for users. Simply put, workers can forget their passwords. When this happens, a worker has to try to reset the password, which can be time-consuming for both the employee and for the IT staff that is helping that worker. Losing access to an account because of a traditional password could result in a tremendous loss of time and productivity.

By contrast, biometrics avoids this unnecessary headache. Unlocking a mobile device with your voice or your eyes is quicker than with a password. After all, you can forget your password, but you can’t forget your face.

3. Greater Accountability

With numerous mobile security threats on the horizon, enterprises need some level of accountability. Biometrics can enhance that accountability because it enables enterprises to maintain a log of users that access the network. This is especially critical when determining which user might be responsible for a security breach. By comparison, passwords can be copied and don’t provide the same accuracy as this technology.

Outside of mobile devices, biometrics also ensures greater accountability when it comes to workforce management. Many organizations are leveraging this technology for employee time clocks, and they are reaping the benefits. Accountability is baked into this technology, by allowing organizations to connect responsibility with access.

4. More Companies Are Using It

This technology has become a staple for the modern workforce. Over 60% of employersare already using the technology in the workplace, with nearly half of all companies using it specifically to secure mobile devices.

This high adoption rate suggests that this technology enables enterprises to achieve better security. Part of the reason for the expansion of biometrics in the enterprise is because of two factors. First, more employees are already using this technology as consumers. Second, the expansion of complex Internet of Things (IoT) devices has forced enterprises to consider biometrics as solution to protect them.

5. High ROI

Implementing biometrics could allow an enterprise to maximize ROI. Last year, Forrester Consulting discovered that a bank achieved an ROI of 191% because of biometric security.

By implementing this technology, an organization can decrease the risk of a corporate security breach, which can cost nearly $4 million. There are also other expenses that can be avoided, such as with password resets and IT support. These savings add up to a significant ROI that can be achieved simply by leveraging this advanced technology.

To Summarize

Although biometric technology is far from perfect, the general consensus is that it is a safer alternative to traditional passwords. The solution can mitigate risks associated with mobile devices.

Article originally published by Steven Lerner, Editor, Enterprise Mobility Exchange.