Biometrics hacking: A security threat that can have wider implications for the biometric security industry

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 14, 2022

Insight summary

As the world embraces the convenience of biometric authentication, the shadow of biometric hacking looms large, revealing vulnerabilities in systems that rely on fingerprints, retina scans, and facial identification. The article explores the multifaceted impact of this trend, highlighting the risks to individuals, businesses, and governments, and the broader societal implications including shifts in education, law enforcement, and international regulations. The growing threat underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, public awareness, and global collaboration to safeguard personal privacy and corporate integrity.

Biometric hacking context

As biometric authentication systems are introduced to increase the security of products and facilities worldwide, these systems face a growing threat of hacking. The term biometric hacking defines any process or activity to break through biometric security systems to gain access to secure data or locations. Biometrics are most commonly used to secure a person’s smartphone through fingerprint, retina scans, and facial identification. Hackers can bypass all of these security measures by using different workarounds.

These workarounds include 3D printed heads to fool facial recognition systems and voice morphing tools to simulate a person’s voice to bypass voice recognition software. The threat of biometric hacking is also becoming increasingly prominent as members of the public consistently disclose their biometric data to different service providers. These service providers are prone to cyberattacks, and when successful, hackers may escape with significant amounts of biometric data.

When biometric hackers breach a security system, intruders often have access to the personal data of all people connected to that system. When large multinational companies are hacked, this could lead to the biometric information of millions of people being exposed. Hackers can delete and modify any user’s account and replace it with their account or alter other forms of biometric security. A disadvantage of biometric security measures is once hacked, these systems cannot be easily changed compared to other security systems that rely on passwords, as an example.

Disruptive impact

As biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, become more common in everyday technology, the risk of personal information being misused increases. Individuals may find themselves vulnerable to identity theft or unauthorized access to their devices. The fear of such breaches may lead to a reluctance in adopting biometric technology, hindering the growth of this field.

For businesses, the threat of biometric hacking poses serious challenges to maintaining secure systems. Companies that rely on biometric data for authentication need to invest in advanced security measures to protect against potential breaches. Failure to do so can lead to significant financial losses and damage to reputation. Moreover, the legal implications of failing to protect customer data can result in costly litigation and regulatory penalties.

Governments and public services that utilize biometric systems must also grapple with the risks associated with biometric hacking. The breach of sensitive systems, such as those used by law enforcement or defense agencies, can have serious national security implications. Governments need to develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard biometric data, balancing the need for security with the public's demand for privacy. 

Implications of biometric hacking

Wider implications of biometric hacking may include:

• Security companies committing to develop increasingly sophisticated biometric systems that can detect fake or illegally obtained biometric data.


• Commercial firms depart from using biometric security systems exclusively, in favor of or in addition to alternatives such as complex password generation tools.


• Users and customers becoming increasingly wary of sharing their biometric information with numerous service providers or opting to use services that do not require this information.


• Future criminal cases involving identity theft, digital asset theft, breaking and entering homes and cars, and even members of the public being framed for crimes—all of which are enabled by stolen biometric data.


• Law enforcement agencies investing in specialized training and equipment to combat biometric hacking, leading to a new focus within cybercrime units.


• Educational institutions incorporating biometric security awareness into their curricula, fostering a generation that is more conscious of digital privacy and security.


• The development of international agreements and regulations to standardize biometric data protection, leading to a more unified global approach to cybersecurity.


• A shift in the labor market towards careers specializing in biometric security, creating new opportunities and challenges in workforce development and education.


• Economic implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may struggle to keep up with the costs of implementing advanced biometric security measures, potentially widening the gap between large corporations and smaller businesses.

Questions to consider

• What does biometric hacking mean for the future of biometric security?


• Have you been a victim of biometric hacking, and even if not, how would you feel about a company that allowed your biometric information to be sold or stolen?