Biometric authentication relies on unique physical and behavioral traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition and voice patterns, to verify identity. This method presents a more formidable alternative to traditional passwords and PINs, effectively reducing the risks of unauthorized access and data theft.
However, while biometrics offer a stronger security measure, they are not entirely hack-proof. The very features that make these systems appealing also present new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals eagerly exploit. Explore the intricacies of biometric hacking, how it can occur and how to defend against it.
Biometric Hacking Explained
Biometric systems typically consist of three main components — capture, storage and matching.
Capture collects biometric data using sensors or scanners and converts the physical traits into a digital format. The captured information is then stored in a database in its raw form or, more securely, as a hash or template. For authentication, the system matches the submitted biometric data against the stored templates to assess similarity and validate queries.
Hacking occurs when attackers exploit weaknesses in any of these components. For instance, cybercriminals can target inadequately encrypted or improperly stored information. Additionally, matching algorithm flaws can lead to false acceptance or rejection rates, allowing unauthorized access or denying legitimate users.
5 Ways Biometric Hacking Can Happen
Determined hackers will always find ways to circumvent security measures, whether to steal sensitive info, commit petty fraud or just for the sport of it. This bypass can occur in the biometric hacking space in the following ways.
1. Database Breaches
Biometric data is often stored in centralized databases, which can be compromised through poorly implemented security. This was the case with the 2019 Suprema Biostar 2 hack, which exposed 27.8 million people’s biometrics and enabled widescale data theft. The incident highlighted how centralized storage could become a target for cybercriminals.
2. Synthetic Biometrics
Threat actors can generate fake biometric data to impersonate legitimate users. In 2021, cybersecurity professionals demonstrated the ease of creating a synthetic 3D fingerprint mold from an image and bypassing a MacBook Pro’s biometric lock. Hackers can also leverage advanced audio manipulation software to imitate a person’s speech tone and access voice-activated systems.
3. AI-Generated Deepfakes
Cybercriminals increasingly leverage AI-based generative adversarial networks to create hyper-realistic media reproductions to bypass biometric security checks. These deepfakes include video and voice content that closely mimics a target’s appearance or vocal patterns, allowing hackers to deceive facial recognition systems.
4. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In some scenarios, attackers can intercept biometric data during transmission. For example, malicious actors can capture information sent over an unsecured network to gain unauthorized access. These attacks often involve the hacker positioning themselves between the user and the authentication server, allowing them to eavesdrop on the data transmitted. This vulnerability underscores the importance of using secure communication protocols to encrypt information in transit and protect against interception risks.
5. Social Engineering
Fraudsters may use phishing emails, phone calls, baiting or other social engineering tactics to trick individuals into revealing their biometric data. These attacks are increasingly frequent because of their effectiveness. For instance, phishing was the most commonly reported cybercrime in the U.S. in 2023.
Defending Against Biometric Cyberattacks
Implementing robust defense strategies to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks is more critical than ever as biometric systems become more prevalent. The following methods can help organizations and individuals safeguard their biometric data and enhance overall security.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
It can take months to discover network infiltrations, underscoring the need for regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. Conducting periodic checks helps identify potential intrusions and weaknesses in biometric systems, allowing the organization to step up its cybersecurity measures accordingly.
Enforce Secure Storage
There’s no reason to store biometric data in plain text. Organizations must use encrypted databases and employ biometric data protection. For example, instead of storing actual fingerprints, companies can store a hashed version and transform characters into another value. Hashed data is nearly impossible to reverse-engineer and is more effective than standard encryption.
Implement Multimodal Security
Combining biometric authentication with other measures, like strong passwords and security questions, presents more barriers for hackers before gaining access to sensitive data. For example, research shows that using facial recognition in conjunction with multifactor authentication can prevent nearly 100% of attacks, enhancing overall security.
Invest in Liveness Detection
Liveness detection ensures the biometric data comes from a live person rather than a static image or a spoofed sample. This technology employs various techniques, such as analyzing facial movements and detecting changes in skin texture, to verify user identity. Some systems also require individuals to perform specific actions, like blinking or turning their heads, during authentication.
Avoid Falling Victim to Biometric Hacking
While biometric authentication offers a robust method for securing access to sensitive information, it is not impervious to hacking. Understanding the various techniques employed by cybercriminals is crucial for recognizing potential vulnerabilities in these systems. Organizations and individuals must implement comprehensive security measures, including regular audits, secure storage and liveness detection, to significantly mitigate these risks.
As the Features Editor at ReHack, Zac Amos writes about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other tech topics. He is a frequent contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine.
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