Biometrics and You: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Data

Many of us use fingerprints or facial recognition in our everyday lives, whether it’s to unlock our phones, authorize banking transactions, access secure areas at our workplace, or when going through customs at the airport.

 The convenience is real, but so are the risks if your biometric data falls into the wrong hands.

What Is Biometric Data?

Biometric data includes any information about your physical or behavioral traits that can be used to identify you. These traits, unique to each person, may include:

• Fingerprint (like when you unlock your phone)
• Facial features (such as face scans for security checks or unlocking your phone)
• Voice (voice assistants might recognize who is speaking)
• Eyes (iris or retina scans)
• Way of walking (some security systems can recognize this too)

Why Do Companies Collect Biometric Data?

For companies, collecting biometric data can boost security, improve user experience, and meet regulatory requirements. For example, biometrics are harder to fake than a password or PIN, adding an extra layer of security for accessing sensitive information or locations where verifying someone’s identity requires more robust methods than regular ID checking.

Why Do Threat Actors Want Your Biometric Data?

Cybercriminals want biometric data because it’s uniquely tied to your identity and, unlike a password, can’t be changed. Armed with this information, criminals gain a powerful foothold into a person’s digital and physical world.

Here are some examples of the dangers of data breaches involving biometric data

• You are permanently exposed with no magic reset button. If a hacker steals your fingerprint data, you can’t “update” your fingerprint the way you can reset a password. That means you’re vulnerable for the rest of your life if the stolen data is circulated or sold.
• You are more prone to identity theft and fraud. Criminals can use your biometric data to try to pass themselves off as you—whether that’s accessing your secure workplace or tricking payment apps that rely on facial or fingerprint recognition.
• Data can be used for tracking and surveillance. If someone has access to a large biometric database, they can potentially track where you appear. For example, facial recognition cameras in public spaces could be used to follow your movements. Additionally, the data might be sold to third parties who could use it for intrusive marketing or more malicious forms of surveillance.
• You may receive a blackmail or extortion message. Cybercriminals might threaten to release your biometrics publicly or to criminal networks if you don’t pay a ransom.
• Your biometrics may used to conduct deepfake scams.

Voice Cloning: If criminals get enough samples of your voice, they can use AI to generate convincing audio. This can be used to impersonate you on phone calls (for example, calling a bank) or to trick friends and family into transferring money.

Read more about voice cloning scams here.

Video Deepfakes: Although more complex, sophisticated threat actors can use face or video data to produce deepfake videos, potentially damaging your reputation or enabling new forms of fraud.

Related articles:

• Audio deepfakes: Celebrity-endorsed giveaway scams and fraudulent investment opportunities flood social media platforms
• AI Scams: How Cybercriminals Use AI to Defraud Digital Citizens and How to Stay Safe

How to Protect Your Biometric Data

1. Use reputable devices and apps. Established tech companies generally have higher security standards. Cheap or unknown brands may cut corners on data protection. Don’t forget to always check the privacy policies when downloading an app or using a service that requires your biometrics. Check what they do with your data, how long they store it, and whether they share it with third parties.
2. Store biometric data locally whenever possible to avoid potential data breaches at cloud storages for biometric data.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). If possible, add another layer, like a PIN, password, or security token, to your fingerprint or facial scan login. With MFA, even if your fingerprint or face data is compromised, an attacker will still need another credential to break into your account.
4. Keep devices updated. Software updates often fix newly discovered flaws that hackers can exploit. Make a habit of installing updates as soon as they’re available.

5.  Use a security solution on your devices to catch suspicious activity and malware designed to capture or transmit your biometric data.

6. Be cautious with social media filters and apps. Many apps use facial recognition features to add effects to your selfies. Check if they store or share your face data.
7. Know your rights

• Right to delete: Under the GDPR in Europe, you can request that companies delete your data.
• Biometric laws: Certain states in the US, such as Illinois, have laws (like BIPA) that strictly regulate how companies collect and store biometric data.
• If you’re asked to use biometric data at work or at a service provider, don’t be afraid to ask where it’s stored and who has access.

8. Monitor and stay alert. If you suddenly can’t log in to an account or if you receive alerts of suspicious login attempts, act fast. Change passwords or PINs associated with that account.

9.  Use identity protection services. While they can’t directly protect your biometrics, they can alert you if your personal information is exposed in a data breach, including ones involving any biometric data.

If you want to stay a step ahead of cybercriminals, Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection is here to help.

Our service continuously monitors both the public web and the Dark Web on your behalf, instantly alerting you to breaches that put your personal data and identity at risk. No more guessing what to do next—Bitdefender provides clear, 1-click actions to close up leaks and weak points in your digital footprint. It also keeps an eye on 25 social media platforms and notifies you right away if it detects a profile that may be impersonating you. Take quick, decisive action and regain your peace of mind with Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection.