Diving into the future of #Biometrics: From fingerprints to brainwaves and heartbeats. Multi-modal systems promise unparalleled security! https://identityherald.com/why-multi-modal-biometrics-is-better/ Discover more on #IdentityHerald. #MultiModalBiometrics #FutureTech

1. Why Multi-Modal Biometrics is Better?
Biometric authentication has become an increasingly common part of our daily lives stated
Bahaa Abdul Hadi. From unlocking our smartphones to passing through airport security,
biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition are being used to verify our identities in
more seamless and secure ways. However, the biometrics of the future will likely go far
beyond these familiar modalities by incorporating additional physiological and behavioral
factors into multi-modal systems.
The Limitations of Uni-Modal Biometric Systems
While fingerprints and facial recognition have proven to be relatively accurate and
convenient authentication methods, they each have their limitations when used on their
own. For example, fingerprints can be obscured by dirt, moisture or damage to the fingertip.
Facial recognition struggles to identify people wearing glasses, hats or masks that cover
part of their face. Uni-modal systems are also vulnerable to spoofing attacks using fake
fingerprints or photographs.
Why Multi-Modal Biometrics Provide Better Security
By combining two or more biometrics modalities, multi-modal systems can overcome many
of the vulnerabilities of uni-modal biometrics. For instance, a multi-modal system that uses
both facial recognition and iris scanning would ensure that a photograph alone could not
fool the system. Even if one modality is obscured or damaged, others remain to provide
robust verification.
Multi-modal systems also drastically reduce the false rejection rate - instances where
legitimate users are improperly rejected. Combining the matching scores from multiple
biometrics provides better accuracy than any single biometric on its own.
Fingerprints and Facial Recognition: The Standard Multi-Modal Approach
Most existing multi-modal systems rely on fingerprints paired with facial recognition. This
combination offers reasonably good security with the convenience of two very familiar and
user-friendly modalities. Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition cameras have also
become relatively inexpensive.
While certainly an improvement over uni-modal biometrics, fingerprints and facial
recognition alone may not provide an adequate level of security for the most sensitive
applications. Emerging multi-modal systems are incorporating additional physiological and
behavioral factors to enhance accuracy further and prevent spoofing.
The Cutting Edge: Brainwaves, Heartbeats and Behavioral Biometrics
Brainwave Biometrics
Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors can be used to measure the electrical patterns of a
person's brainwaves. EEG brainwave patterns have been shown to be unique from person

2. to person, even among identical twins. Authentication is based on matching the brainwave
pattern of the current user to their enrolled pattern. EEG brainwave biometrics are very
difficult to spoof since an attacker would essentially need to replicate the target's distinct
brain physiology.
Heartbeat Biometrics
Like EEG brainwaves, a person's cardiac rhythm as measured by an electrocardiogram
(ECG) is also unique. By placing ECG sensors against the skin, a heartbeat biometric system
can identify users by matching their heart's electrical signature. Since heartbeats cannot be
faked, heartbeat authentication provides another highly secure biometric modality.
Behavioral Biometrics
Behaviors like gait recognition, keystroke dynamics, and voice recognition can also serve as
modalities in multi-modal biometric systems. Gait recognition identifies people by the
distinctive ways they walk, while keystroke dynamics match typing rhythm patterns. Voice
recognition has also become much more advanced in recent years. Overall, the advantage of
behavioral biometrics is providing continuous and passive authentication rather than one-
time verification.
By intelligently combining biometric modalities like brainwaves, heartbeats, and behavior
with the more standard fingerprints and facial recognition, multi-modal systems can
achieve unprecedented levels of security with continuous and non-invasive user
convenience. Though still an emerging field, multi-modal biometrics offers an exciting
future for identity and access management. The blog has been authored by Bahaa Abdul
Hadi and has been published by the editorial board of identity herald. For more
information, please visit www.identityherald.com
Voice
Bahaa Abdul Hadi emphasizes that while biometric authentication, including fingerprints
and facial recognition, has been integrated into our daily routines, the future will witness a
shift to multi-modal systems, which utilize multiple physiological and behavioral factors for
authentication. Current uni-modal biometric methods, despite their convenience, possess
limitations; for instance, facial recognition can be hindered by accessories, and fingerprints
can be masked by superficial damages or dirt. These uni-modal systems can also be spoofed
using fake inputs.
To counteract these vulnerabilities, multi-modal biometric systems are being developed.
These systems amalgamate multiple biometric modalities, ensuring enhanced security.
Even if one method is compromised, other modes ensure robust verification. Such
integration also lowers the false rejection rate, which is when genuine users get wrongfully
denied access. The prevailing multi-modal approach typically merges fingerprint and facial
recognition, combining the security of two well-known and user-friendly methods.

3. However, for heightened security in sensitive scenarios, emerging multi-modal systems are
exploring newer biometric measures. These include brainwave biometrics, where unique
EEG brainwave patterns are employed for authentication, making it arduous for attackers to
replicate. Another promising avenue is heartbeat biometrics. The uniqueness of a person's
cardiac rhythm, as gauged by ECG, presents a biometric measure that's near-impossible to
counterfeit.
In addition to physiological biometrics, behavioral aspects like gait recognition, typing
rhythm (keystroke dynamics), and advanced voice recognition can be utilized for
continuous, passive authentication, eliminating the need for periodic checks. Incorporating
these innovative modalities with traditional biometric measures can achieve unmatched
security levels, offering a holistic identity and access management solution. More insights
are available on Identity Herald, courtesy of Bahaa Abdul Hadi.
Social
Diving into the future of #Biometrics: From fingerprints to brainwaves and heartbeats.
Multi-modal systems promise unparalleled security!
https://identityherald.com/why-multi-modal-biometrics-is-better/
Discover more on #IdentityHerald. #MultiModalBiometrics #FutureTech