By: KV Sai Mounish, Department of computer science and technology, Student of computer science and technology, Madanapalle Institute Of Technology and Science, 517325, Angallu, Andhra Pradesh.
ABSTRACT –
Biometrics are now widely deployed in security systems all over the world, and thus biometric data protection and biometrics data management issues have become important. In this article, the author describes the various issues concerning the protection of biometric data, such as the privacy infringement issue and the possibility of the database’s access breaching. The current practices and technologies on biometric data protection including encryption, storage solutions and data protection laws. The article also presents information about the role of such breakthroughs as block chain and the use of complex cryptography to improve the level of protection for biometric data. Furthermore, guidelines and recommendations for the biometric data usage and protection are analyzed, focusing on the measures to reduce the amount of data leak and reception of user’s consent. Considering such facets of BIDM, this article endeavors to present an informative perspective on the measures that can be taken to preserve biometric data and uphold the confidence of users in today’s growingly global and technologically integrated societies.
KEYWORDS –
Biometrics, Data protection, Manipulation, Block chain, Cryptography, Database, Encryption.
INTRODUCTION –
The textual and visual data protection grew to be significant because of the increased usage of biometric technologies that help to secure several sectors during the recent years. With the use of unique physiological or behavioral characteristics like fingerprints, facial or voice recognition the biometric data are used prominently in today’s authentication systems. However, with the increase in the application of biometric, there are increased threats in the management and storage of such a critical data.
As biometric systems have become more commonplace for identification purposes ranging from unlocking ones’ phone or protection of financial transactions the data that these systems collect must be protected[1]. Unlike the typical passwords or personal identification numbers, biometric features are unique and cannot be changed; therefore, it is vital not only to safeguard these characteristics against hacking but also to protect the corresponding person’s privacy.
This article provides an insight into the issues that arise with the process of attaining data protection in the area of biometric. Biometrics security is discussed aiming to identify the existing technologies and laws protecting biometric information. We will learn about the types of ciphering, methods of storing data safely, and considerations of the stores and hubs according to the regional and international legislation, including GDPR and CCPA. Moreso, the contribution of new technologies like block chain in improving data protection will also be examined.
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify the problems and opportunities related to biometric data management in order to present a clear understanding of proper guidelines to protect biometric information. In that vein, as biometric technologies advance, so too will the need to ensure that proper guidelines in data security are instituted to ensure fair and secure usage of the biometric technologies in the market[2].
Approaches to Data Protection
Data protection is the broad concept that covers all possible mechanisms and tools aimed at preventing unauthorized access to data, data corruption, or data loss. Here are some key approaches to data protection: Here are some key approaches to data protection:
Encryption
Data at Rest: The physical control of storing data in devices or servers implies that even when physical security has been compromised the data cannot be read without the key.
Data in Transit: The most important advantage of network security is encryption of data as it goes through the networks so that it cannot be intercepted by the outsiders. Solutions like SSL/TLS are becoming popular today because of this role.
Access Controls
Authentication: Through the use of passwords/biometrics, as well as MFA, users who try to log in to the IT systems are confirmed to be legitimate and should be allowed into the system[3].
Authorization: Implementation of controls on different systems and users and deciding as to which parts of the system the users can access or modify.
Data Masking masking of real data into fake ones to prevent exposure of actual data, but use the data in testing and developing new applications (e. g. using random numbers instead of actual credit card numbers in the testing environment).
Data Minimization
Recording minimal information required for instance in a given application or holding the information for the shortest possible time possible to minimize exposition.
Regular Audits and Monitoring
Performing periodical surveys to evaluate the existing protective measures and to reveal the potential contrivances. Incorporating methods of observing the suspect’s activities in real-time and preventing the access of unauthorized resources.
Backup and Recovery
Daily, weekly and monthly data copies to safe remote storage allow data to be retrieved in case it gets missing or corrupted. As a result, the disaster recovery plan of an organizational IT infrastructure must be strong.
Physical Security: physical protection of servers and data centers as well as other infrastructure through the use of security personnel, access cards among others and CCTV cameras.
User Education and Training: raising awareness about DP policies and procedures, identifying phishing scams and avoiding missteps that expose data to hazardous threats.
The most common approaches to protect data are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 : Common approaches for protecting data
Secure Storage Solutions for Biometric Data
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
Description: HSMs are tangible appliances that are intended to offer a very secure platform to create, store, and manipulate the cryptographic key.
Benefits: It provides the strong protection against the physical and logical attack methods. HSMs are secure and relucential in implementing optimal security, especially in areas such as banking and government.
Dedicated Secure Areas
Description: Biometric data must be deposited to strictly protected parts of the databases or on the separate safeguarded servers which are assigned to the storage of the sensitive information only.
Benefits: This minimizes the exposure of the information to third parties as well as the integration of other distinct security features meant for the restricted data set.
Encryption
Data at Rest: Storing biometric data in encrypted form on the devices or servers also means that even if the storage medium is in possession of the dishonest players, the biometric data will be in an encrypted form that cannot be read without decrypting key.
Data in Transit: Ensure the privacy of the biometric data over the networks through the use of secure standards of communications (e. g. , SSL/TLS).
Tokenization
Description: Tokenization swaps out the sensitive biometric data with symbols (tokens) that contain all the necessary information that is required while not being distinguishable from actual biometric data.
Benefits: Such biometric data could be substituted with tokens which lessens the exposure if the storage databases are compromised[4].
Biometric Data Partitioning
Description: Partitioning is a process of splitting the biometric data into several sections and then making them store in separate locations[5].
Benefits: This makes it even more secure that even in the case when one storage location is sufficiently subverted, all the biometric data will not be breakable or readable. It is also important to note that access control and user management are critical components of an organization’s security system.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC system to enforce that only certain personnel with given roles should access biometric data. Fine-Grained Permissions: Put in place very detailed access rights in an endeavour to restrict the kind of things that can be done with the data.
CONCLUSION –
In today’s technological world where people are reliant on the use of products that require the input of biometric data, it is very important that these data are protected against misuse. Because of the increased interest in biometric technologies, with the adoption of the technologies come the possibilities of their abuses. It is now possible for organizations to embrace full protective measures on such data as biometric data to prevent such mishaps from occurring. To ensure proper security of biometric data the appropriate strategies consist in encryption, appropriate storing of biometric data, access control measures, and security check-ups. Stressing the implementation of legal and regulatory guidelines makes it possible to guarantee data protection while keeping the users and other stakeholders informed and confident in the organization’s safety measures. Furthermore, the pillars of embracing a culture of never standing still and always being on the lookout as conventional solutions such as zero-trust architecture, user training, and monitoring are employed strengthen the defenses against the ever-changing threats. The following are some of the ways that one can use when it comes to the overall concept of what is required in the security of biometric data; For the most part, it is essential to take some time, and get to learn the new trends that are being developed especially alongside other various factors that are being developed in the modern world. Thus, the focus on the protection of biometric data allows using the opportunities that biometric technologies provide for adoption, minimizing risks, preserving privacy, and maintaining the security of organizational systems. It is by pursuing these and similar goals that the guaranteed focus on the modern protection of data actually contribute to the creation of a safer digital space for everybody.
REFERENCES –
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Cite As
Mounish K.V.S (2024) Protecting Biometric Data and Managing, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1