Various forms and combinations of biometric identification will be used to improve identification and authorisation, with each set of biometric identification methods specifically suited to the context of the application, says encryption and security multinational Gemalto Innovation marketing and communication manager and biometrics expert Xavier Larduinat.

The required security architecture and systems to handle the increased use of biometric identity verification in commerce – specifically the security and encryption key management systems – are already in place and being used to secure commercial transactions, for example, in the financial sector, he explains.

However, what will change is the reliance on passwords with a shift towards contextual security verification. Biometrics will help to improve the consumer experience and security rigour simultaneously.

Businesses can start by leveraging biometrics built into devices, such as fingerprint identification common on new smartphones and devices, as an additional, hassle-free layer of security verification to be used either before or during a transaction, he says.

Biometrics will be used for digital signatures and will steadily replace current forms of identity verification and authorisation, as well as passwords and one-time pins. It is expected that all companies will use between five and ten different biometrics, whether for in-house or external identity verification and authorisation, within the next five years.

Additionally, context-aware security verification will improve security by selectively adding layers of security checks, such as requesting a fingerprint check during a mobile bank payment instead of a mobile device authorisation. Using biometrics will also help to reduce any negative impact on customer experience.

“Less stringent authorisation and identity verification requirements can be used in situations where there is more certainty and precedence,”

says Larduinat.