As fraud tactics become increasingly sophisticated, banks and other financial institutions are seeking innovative solutions to securely verify users, protect sensitive information, safeguard their customers, and prevent fraud. Biometric verification is emerging as one of the most powerful tools in this effort. Biometric technology provides a secure and efficient way to verify and authenticate users and protect systems.
Biometric identity verification systems play an essential role in identifying a person by using their unique characteristics. These systems capture specific traits, including fingerprints, voice samples, and facial features, which are distinct to each individual. The system then creates a digital template of these traits and stores it in a secure database for future comparison. The biometric identification process ensures that only the authorised individual can gain access, effectively preventing fraud and enhancing security.
Types of biometric verification
Physiological biometrics
Physiological biometrics focus on physical characteristics that are unique to each individual and remain relatively stable over time. These traits are highly reliable for identification, as they are difficult to replicate or change.
- Fingerprint recognition: Relies on the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person’s fingertips. Widely used for its simplicity and effectiveness, fingerprint recognition often appears in devices like smartphones and access control systems.
- Facial biometric recognition: Analyses the distinct features of a person’s face, such as the shape of the eyes, nose, and jawline. This non-contact method works quickly and is increasingly used in security systems and smartphones.
- Iris recognition: Focuses on the unique patterns of the iris in the eye. Known for its high accuracy and security, this method is often deployed in high-security environments.
- Vein pattern recognition: Uses infrared light to map the unique vein patterns under the skin, typically in the hand or fingers. This method is highly secure due to the difficulty in replicating vein patterns.
Behavioural biometrics
Behavioural biometrics focus on patterns in human behaviour, which are less stable than physiological traits but still unique and useful for ongoing authentication. These methods can continuously verify identity based on how individuals interact with devices or systems.
- Voice recognition: Analyses vocal characteristics, such as pitch, tone, and rhythm. This method is often used for hands-free authentication.
- Keystroke dynamics: Monitors typing patterns, including speed, pressure, and rhythm. It provides a method of continuous authentication by analysing how a person types, which can be used to detect any discrepancies if someone else gains access to the system.
Hybrid biometrics
Hybrid biometrics combine two or more of the above methods to strengthen security and reduce the likelihood of false identification. By combining traits such as facial recognition with voice or fingerprint data, hybrid systems offer enhanced accuracy and provide a more robust form of authentication, especially in high-security environments.
How does biometric verification work?
Biometric verification operates by capturing and analysing an individual’s unique physiological or behavioural characteristics, creating a digital representation of those traits to verify their identity. The process involves several key steps that ensure both security and accuracy.
- Data collection: The first step in biometric verification is the capture of biometric data. Specialised devices like cameras, microphones, fingerprint scanners, or sensors detect specific biological traits to perform this process.
- Template creation: After capturing the biometric data, the system analyses it and converts it into a unique digital template. This template is a mathematical representation of the individual’s biometric traits, such as the distance between facial features, the structure of fingerprints, or vocal patterns. This template serves as a reference for future verifications.
- Template storage: The system securely stores the created templates in a database, either locally on a device or in a cloud-based system. The storage ensures that the biometric data remains accessible for comparison during future interactions. Importantly, biometric data is typically encrypted to protect privacy and prevent unauthorised access.
- Data comparison: When the individual attempts to verify their identity again, the biometric system collects new data and compares it to the stored template. This step ensures that the person attempting access matches the registered template. For instance, when using facial recognition, the system compares the newly captured facial features to the previously stored template to confirm that they match.
- Authentication decision: Based on the comparison results, the system makes an authentication decision. If the new data matches the stored template within an acceptable threshold, usually defined by the system’s accuracy settings, the system grants the user access.. If there is a mismatch, the system denies access, prompting the user to try again or use an alternative verification method.
- Continuous monitoring and updates: Some systems continuously monitor biometric data to account for any changes, such as ageing or injury, in the user’s biometric information. This may involve periodically updating the biometric template or allowing for secondary verifications to maintain security.
To discuss the newest technology, innovations and challenges facing client onboarding and digital identity for financial institutions, connect with solution providers and network with industry experts, book your place to attend the 3rd Client Onboarding And Digital Identity Summit For Financial Institutions, taking place on September 24-25, 2025, in Prague, Czechia.
For more information, click here or email us at info@innovatrix.eu for the event agenda. Visit our LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest speaker announcements and event news.
