Facial authentication is an identity authentication solution that establishes whether a person or object is who or what it claims to be. The user’s identity can be verified through different user identity verification methods.
Facial recognition refers to the technology that is capable of verifying a subject through facial biometric patterns and data. Facial recognition systems rely on computer algorithms to identify the unique characteristics of a person’s face. Once the user’s image is captured, this information is transformed into a mathematical representation and compared to the face data stored on the company database or government registry. This program is used mainly for security purposes.
However, several corporations have used the technology in ways that breach users’ privacy. For example, there are applications that secretly obtain biometric information from consumers without permission. This information is collated into massive databases, which are shared with or sold to other parties to be used for covert monitoring and targeted advertising.
Strong and ethical facial authentication prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to accounts and their information. It has several advantages over traditional authentication methods. For example, FIDO2 facial authentication is permission-based and equips high levels of security while allowing seamless access to their accounts and devices. This is in contrast to facial recognition systems that are often performed without the user’s consent.
The beauty of facial authentication is that the user does not need to undergo meticulous identity-proving procedures. They just need to capture a new selfie and log into their favorite app. It is also quicker than fingerprint and retina scanning because there are fewer touchpoints. It can supplement other verification methods in multi-factor authentication (MFA).
For organizations, face authentication systems assist in verifying that only real users register and access their online accounts. It protects the organization from fraudsters who have stolen the passwords or ID documents of identity theft victims.
An additional advantage of facial authentication is that businesses can reuse the same biometric data captured during enrollment for future verification. They can use the solution for identity proofing and continuous user authentication.
On the contrary, facial recognition is data-intense, making processing and storage an obstacle. Despite significant progress, face recognition from multiple camera angles or with obstructions still needs to be improved. This is why facial recognition should not be utilized for identity verification but in conjunction with multi-factor authentication to strengthen user access.
Visit authID to learn more information about facial biometric authentication.