Security Staff Are Adopting Biometrics But Can Do More to Eliminate the Password

Security Staff Are Adopting Biometrics But Can Do More to Eliminate the Password

A survey found that security professionals are making the move to biometrics, but that they could be doing more to protect data.

A study done at the RSA security conference last week found that security professionals are starting to switch over to biometric authentication, but that more can be done to protect data through the use of passwords.

The poll was done by Veridium Ltd., and found that nearly half of respondents said they're now using biometrics for two to three applications, but only five percent said they're now using it for seven to 10 applications. None of the security pros said they were using biometrics to authorize access to over 11 or more apps.

The survey also found that 56 percent of respondents rely on password mangers to help them remember passwords and nearly 30 percent use 21 or more passwords at any given time.

Some 41 percent of respondents who took the survey at RSA said that they would like to use biometrics the most for work, while 93 percent agreed that there should be greater legislative restrictions around biometric privacy and data.

“Results from the security audience demonstrated why we need to eliminate passwords and how biometrics can ensure consumer data privacy,” a spokesperson for Veridium said. “With password managers full of countless keyword variations and the majority of respondents putting biometrics to use only across two to three applications, there’s a need for stronger, more engrained authentication options.”

Discussing the findings and his time spent at the RSA Conference, Chief Executive Officer James Stickland said that many conversations focused on security for application programming interfaces, which should be a bigger focus in the next year.

“Security is now, more than ever, ‘identity-centric,’ focusing on the individual rather than the broader enterprise – with employees acting as the ‘perimeter of their business,’” he said. “It’s critical that organizations secure their data, implement data-driven policies and authenticate individual access to the enterprise.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3