Biometric data: protection or vulnerability of identity?

Abstract

Abstract. The fast spread of biometric authentication systems in the digital security infrastructure has created the basic contradictory situation of modern cyber security. Biometrics provide exceptional accuracy in identity verification through unique physiological and behavioral characteristics. However they simultaneously introduce new vulnerability vectors that challenge traditional security concepts. This research addresses the key question of whether biometric technologies strengthen or undermine the protection of personal identity in the digital age. We aimed to conduct a study that would include conducting a thorough analysis of biometric data systems to assess defense mechanisms and potential security vulnerabilities. The relevance of the study is attributed to the rapid growth of biometric implementations in financial services, healthcare, public systems and consumer devices, which requires a rapid assessment of the risks and benefits involved. The beginning of the research is to develop an integrated framework that quantifies the security, privacy trade-offs inherent in biometric systems, as opposed to previous works that are considered separately. That is, in contrast to traditional security research focusing solely on technical implementation, this research integrates privacy implications, social recognition factors, and the sustainable sustainability of biometric infrastructure. The main methodology uses benchmarking of major biometric types, including fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scanning and voice authentication systems. Security vulnerability assessments investigate counterfeit attacks, template database breaches, and cross-system correlation risks. The privacy impact assessment takes into account the persistence of data, the impossibility of recall and the potential for surveillance. The study examines real-world incidents, including the 2019 Biostar 2 database breach affecting over a million users, and the Ver security camera compromise. Key findings show that biometric systems show higher authentication accuracy compared to traditional password-based methods, with false acceptance rates below 0.001% for high-quality implementations. However, critical vulnerabilities arise from the irreversible nature of biometric compromise. Unlike passwords, compromised biometric templates cannot be reset, creating constant risks of identity theft. The study identifies pattern storage as the primary attack vector, and centralized databases represent attractive targets for attackers.