In recent years, interactions with digital devices used to monitor our lifestyles, automate them and, ultimately, simplify them have become more and more common. From unlocking our devices to managing our finances and adjusting our alarm and heating systems now commonly involves new digital technologies. And the phenomenon is only just beginning: In this new era of convenience, use cases are multiplying rapidly.

The use of biometrics to give access to certain areas increases security

Motion detectors and temperature, weight, and speed sensors are important parts of this new wave of practical and connected technologies. But one type of sensor comes out on top in several use cases: the biometric sensor.

Integrating biometrics into Touchless devices enables many industries to enhance security while eliminating points of friction. Equally important, the triumphant use of biometrics in the smartphone world confirms the attractiveness of biometric sensors in granting access.

New use cases in access control

Smart homes are on the rise, with their digital personal assistants and sensors capable of managing everything from lighting to temperature control, not to mention turning on the kettle. This environment constitutes an ideal platform for innovation in biometrics.

Biometrics reveals its full potential when increased security or personalization is needed; that is why Biometric Technology in Nigeria is on the rise.

Entertainment systems are a good example. With biometric identification, home systems can regulate access to purchase controls and content with age restrictions. They can also automatically use each user's preferred profile and settings.

The physical access applications are vast, too. Locks, doctor's offices, alarm systems, bicycle locks: anything that requires a PIN, password, or key can represent an opportunity for biometrics. And if this is coupled with other sensors, the possibilities for automation are endless. Imagine, for example, that your home heating system adjusts itself automatically when you use your fingerprint to access the garage.

These are some of the examples of the development that can be expected in the domestic world. These ideas can be expanded to corporate, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

The importance of confidentiality

The potential of biometrics and the possibilities it offers is something to celebrate. However, device manufacturers considering the use of biometrics must take carefully considered measures.

The vulnerability of cloud storage and the possibility of hacking it is well documented. In new industries, the risk of compromising consumer data could prove fatal for adopting this technology

Contrary to many popular beliefs, most consumer use cases store biometric data and perform the authentication process securely in device hardware, not in the cloud or a large remote database.

On smartphones, for example, the template is stored in the device's highly secure Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), and the algorithms involved in the authentication process are executed in that same environment.

When implementing biometric access control is not possible, companies can then opt for a system including badges. To amortize their investment, access control and security providers in Nigeria could be the specialists that the company needs.