cybersecurity - an analysis of biometric identification risk factors in the cyber domain
Open Access
Author:
Figueroa, Maximillian
Area of Honors:
Security and Risk Analysis
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Rhoda Joseph, Thesis Supervisor David Scott Witwer, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Cryptography Cryptanalysis Biometrics
Abstract:
Biometric technology is taking over the cyber domain. Layered security such as passwords, usernames, and pin numbers are moving toward the reality of becoming things of the past. With how fast technology evolves, it is likely to assume that layered security will become entirely obsolete and biometric security will become the only reliable form of digital security left. With such a high dependency on a single form of security, there will be risks, vulnerabilities, and someone who wants unauthorized access to the data it’s protecting. This study will define the use of biometrics and cover their many variants. It will also focus on the possible vulnerabilities leading to the imminent theft of classified or personal information, resulting in a cyber-attack that could potentially cause irreversible damage. Biometric identification theft poses an even greater risk than that of a password or PIN number being compromised because it is configured by the genetic make-up of the end-user. Which not only contains the data being secured, but also personal information in thorough detail about the end-user. This study will exploit the gap between public trust in biometric encryption and the risk factors of its implementation in today’s modern devices. Which led to one of the largest biometric breaches in American history at the United States federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
