What are the benefits and challenges of using biometric MFA methods on mobile devices?

Biometric multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security that's super hard to fake. Plus, it's so convenient – easier than trying to remember and type long passwords every time you want to check something on your phone. But again Biometric MFA is not perfect. Sometimes your fingerprint might not work if your hands are sweaty or if the lighting is off for facial recognition. And, let's not forget about the privacy. Your biometric data is like your digital fingerprint, so keeping it safe is a big deal. It's all about finding that balance between staying secure and respecting your privacy.

Biometric MFA stands for Biometric Multi-Factor Authentication. It is a security measure that combines biometric technology, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, with traditional forms of authentication, like passwords or PINs. By incorporating biometric data as one of the factors for verifying identity, organisations can enhance security by adding a layer of protection beyond just something the person knows (password) or has (such as a physical token). Biometric MFA strengthens security measures and reduces the chances of unauthorised access to sensitive information or systems

O MFA biométrico diz respeito a adição de fatores de autenticação de algo que o usuário/cliente é, podendo ser a biometria facial, iris, fingerprint etc. Dessa forma, tem sido comum o uso de senha adicionada o fator biométrico ou o uso de passwordless juntamente a esse fator. O fator biométrico tem ganhado força devido a facilidade de uso e segurança, proporcionando a boa experiência sem deixar de lado a conformidade e proteção.

It's not commonly understood, but the actual device used for biometric MFA matters. Some device types leave important security gaps and vulnerabilities that you should be aware of. Device-based biometrics (e.g. Apple FaceID, Android fingerprint sensors) verify that someone is enrolled on the device, not that they're the right person. Also, they can fail-out to a PIN or password (opening them to credential stuffing). Web-based biometric capture (i.e. a capture flow that triggers a device's camera from a web browser) can be circumvented or spoofed via digital injection attacks. Laptop and external cameras often don't have advanced features like depth mapping which leave them vulnerable to presentation attacks.

MFA encompasses three elements: something you have, know, and are. Biometric MFA combines a user's unique physical traits with another factor, like a device signature or knowledge-based credentials. It utilises various biometrics, from facial recognition and fingerprints to iris and voice patterns, even extending to less conventional modalities like palm features or gait. It capitalises on the intricate, hard-to-duplicate nature of these characteristics for robust authentication. A common misunderstanding is the belief that third-party apps using on device biometrics like FaceID offer true Biometric Authentication. However, they merely confirm the presence of a registered user, not necessarily the individual you intend to authenticate.

Enhanced Security: Imagine your fingerprint or face as a unique key that keeps your digital life safe from intruders, far beyond the reach of traditional passwords. User Convenience: Unlock your device or app with a simple touch or glance, turning tedious logins into a swift, hassle-free experience. Improved User Experience: Access your digital world smoothly and quickly, as if your devices are greeting you with a friendly nod. Reduced Password Fatigue: Forget the password juggle; your unique traits are your effortless passcode, bidding farewell to "Forgot your password?" woes.

📱 Why choose biometric MFA for security? It's a no-brainer! Your smartphone is always with you, making it the most convenient option for multi-factor authentication (MFA). Plus, it serves as a physical token ("something you have"), simplifying the process even more. Plus, biometrics are hard to replicate and highly secure. And lastly, you don't worry about losing your device, as biometrics can also be used for account recovery. These are just some of the many reasons why biometric MFA is a powerful, secure, and low friction solution for many authentication challenges.

One overlooked benefit of biometric MFA is the ability to verify yourself on any device (if a provider is using cloud-based biometrics, versus device-based). So if you lose your device, you can still access your accounts and services in a secure way by using another device that has biometric capture features (e.g. a camera and/or a microphone). In this way, biometric MFA can effectively eliminate account lockouts.

Biometric MFA is the perfect authentication factor for mobile-first users. Healthcare has a very apt use case - frontline staff who are providing home care or are always on the road are usually mobile first/mobile only users. Since the organization provides the devices, there is a higher level of security compared to personal devices. Biometric MFA factors are less vulnerable than using SMS or voice calls.

Biometric MFA on mobile devices offers several unexpected benefits. It eliminates the need to remember passwords, making life easier and more streamlined. It adds a unique layer of security, as fingerprints or facial recognition can’t be easily replicated. This approach encourages better security habits by reducing the likelihood of writing down or reusing passwords. Biometric MFA is quick and efficient, making it easier to access devices and apps without sacrificing security. It also emphasises the importance of keeping devices updated, indirectly boosting overall digital security. Overall, biometrics enhance the user experience, making security a convenient part of daily life.

Presentation attacks are one of the biggest challenges facing mobile based biometric MFA. These attacks involve presenting fake biometric samples, attempting to mimic or replicate the biometric features of a genuine user. Mobile devices often rely on facial recognition, so the following are some of the most common attack vectors: Screen - An image is shown on a high-resolution monitor. Photo - A printed image is used. Video - A video is used; this can be used to replicate movement if required. Mannequin - This can be used to emulate the 3D nature of a genuine person. Mask - A synthetic mask of an individual. To mitigate these attacks, biometric systems use presentation attack detection, which can be either passive or active.

While piloting Biometric MFA using the fingerprint scan on Android devices, our team noticed that one of the factors which could lead to a bad user experience is the device (protection) case. It worked seamlessly when the device had no case, but a bulky case led to test users struggling to authenticate using the fingerprint scan,

While convenient, biometric MFA on mobile devices faces hurdles. Security of stored fingerprint or facial data is paramount, and breaches can't be easily remedied like a stolen password. Additionally, sensor accuracy can vary, leading to user frustration. Devices might be lost or stolen, compromising the biometric factor. Furthermore, not all devices possess the necessary hardware, potentially excluding a portion of your users. Finally, regulations regarding biometric data collection can differ by region, making widespread adoption complex

1. Incomplete or improper use of MFA can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and financial losses. 2. Technical issues and device loss can cause significant downtime and disrupt business operations 3. Advanced phishing and social engineering attacks can bypass MFA, leading to severe security incidents Implementation costs and compatibility issues add to the complexity. Despite these, MFA remains crucial. Ensuring user education, seamless integration, and support for various devices can mitigate these risks, providing robust protection.

A critical thing to evaluate is the vulnerability of a given provider to presentation and injection attacks. In a presentation attack, a bad actor presents false biometrics, for example by holding up a photo of a legitimate user's face or playing a recording of someone's voice. In an injection attack, the attacker convinces the system that it's received a true biometric capture, when in reality the attacker “injected” fake or altered data, or bypassed the biometric capture device entirely (camera, microphone, fingerprint sensor). When evaluating providers, ask them how they're protected against these attacks. Then run your own tests.

When selecting and implementing biometric MFA, it's important to evaluate the system's level of protection against presentation attacks, injection attacks, and the quality of biometric matching. Additionally, understanding the use case and context in which the system will be deployed is crucial. By comprehensively understanding the use case and effectively testing these three elements, you can achieve both strong security and an excellent user experience.

Biometrics are static, so: 1. Do not store the biometric key (e.g. fingerprint, retina, DNA) on the server side, especially for mobile devices. That's because the device still needs to work offline, and because it becomes vulnerable off-device. 2. Never use the entire biometric key in authentication. Some day, someone will compromise it, and the user will have no way to change their their biology. Instead, use random samples, and protect that data carefully. 3. The MFA part of biometric MFA is critical. Never rely exclusively on a fingerprint, always at least pair it with something else, e.g. a secret key on the client that could be changed.

Challenges: 1. False positive/ negative 2. Biometric cant be changed if its compromised 3. Some users may not able to use the biometric devices Benefits: 1. It will enhance the security 2. User friendly and convenience to use 3. Its unique to user.

I believe two of the critical aspects frequently overlooked in the development of biometric systems are the context and use case. It's essential to understand the required level of assurance, the environment in which the user will operate, their physical and technical capabilities, whether the system will be used indoors or outdoors, and whether a constant internet connection is feasible. Decisions need to be made regarding what takes precedence: accuracy and security or user experience. Additionally, the user journey must be logical and intuitive. These factors are some of the key considerations necessary when designing a system, as there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.