High profile data breaches at major multi-billion dollar corporations have been increasing in frequency over the past several years to the dismay of security companies. Cloud data storage, complicated passwords, and conventional data security methods simply aren’t cutting it anymore. This is why security companies have invested and invested heavily in developing a new medium of security. Biometrics, incorporating impossible-to-fake aspects of, well, being who you are represent the best bet to tighten data security. One form of biometrics in particular, voice-based biometrics, promises to be the most secure and easy-to-use implementation for the future.
Voice biometrics parallel most modern security measures by using a combination of factors to ensure authenticity of the user. Much in the same way that individuals use passwords, tokens, and 2-step verification today, voice biometrics use multiple variables involved in a voice password. Every individual has unique vocal tract geometry, harmonics, pitch, and range ensuring an authentic and secure method of verification.
The technology to support voice biometrics is improving constantly with new generations of microphones on mobile devices and processing power. It’s the least invasive of biometrics and can be adjusted dependent on security levels. A transaction needing particularly secure levels of identification can utilize a longer free speech phrase as well as text prompting while a casual purchase at a gas station may only take a two second, easy-to-repeat phrase.
As mobile devices and point-of-sale devices become capable of hosting their own authentication technology coupled with voice biometrics, the transmission of secure information to servers can be eliminated entirely. This will aid small businesses and startups as well preventing a catastrophic data breach that destroys small businesses. Instead of being a successful entrepreneur, a merchant could find themselves looking for a second chance with bad credit merchant account instant approval services.
The race between hackers and security forms is an eternal arms race. But, with biometrics security developers have a new preventative weapon to prevent expensive and costly data leaks. Voice biometrics are already in advanced development and offer levels of security that are the most convenient and effective. Test trials have demonstrated a 75% decrease in data breaches using preliminary voice biometric technology. It may not be long at all before the modern incarnation of ‘open sesame’ is being utilized on smart phones around the world.
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