Biometrics market growth means good news for security

Security is something that needs to stay at the top of the priority list for modern businesses, especially with cyber attacks and internal data breaches a constant concern.

Neglecting security for mobile devices and computer systems could leave these technologies exposed, making it easy for sensitive documents or files to leak. In turn, this can lead to financial fallout as the business struggles to undo the damage.

There could be a solution, however, in the form of capable biometric technologies.

These are the technologies found on devices like the iPhone 6 from Apple – small sensors embedded in the device that can read a fingerprint and verify the user's identity before unlocking.

Dealing with security

Security is currently something that's quite difficult to ensure, especially in larger organisations with hundreds of staff. As these workers will often be using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets on a regular basis, there's a high chance of a breach.

Staff could leave these devices in public places, exposed to a potentially malicious third party. The same goes for laptops and other portable computers. Within the workplace, disgruntled staff could access devices without permission, another potential cause of an information leak.

This growing technology could soon solve a number of security issues, thanks to greater device security and easier access for staff.

The benefits of biometrics

The improvements over traditional security measures are clear with biometric technology; there's no need to type in lengthy passcodes for each app and it means the devices are essentially impervious without the right fingerprint.

Biometric uptake is now increasing, with a report from ABI Research predicting significant growth in the sector this year. In fact, the revenues for the biometrics market could reach US$13.8 billion in 2015 alone – with further growth in the years after.

ABI explained that current biometric efforts stem from government entities, but growing consumer acceptance could lead to further consumer and enterprise uptake. By 2017, ABI predicts these two sectors will overtake government usage, thus becoming the largest segment of the market.

"Recent events [2014 data breaches] will no doubt increase governmental spending in 2015 as security measures are intensified in Europe and the United States," the report stated.

Biometrics in the enterprise

The ABI report also went into detail about the enterprise use-cases for wearable technologies, and how efforts have already begun.

"Enterprise demand is cooking up a plethora of wearables and smartphone technologies to implement biometrics into their products and services," ABI explained.

The report then went on to explore the possible growth in regions around the world.

"North America and Asia-Pacific will drive the field in sales in the following years while countries in the Middle East are expected to have mandatory biometric registration in the coming years."

While North America and Asia-Pacific are largely unsurprising, it's certainly a change to see the Middle East pull ahead of Europe.

It won't be long before biometrics are a given on nearly every new mobile device, and certainly those technologies used within enterprise environments.

Companies also need to consider frameworks; processes designed to manage the implementation of new technologies.

With data breaches likely to continue throughout this year, taking action with regards to security is of the utmost importance.

There are a substantial number of frameworks available, including SABSA and ISO, and businesses need to consider them in order to get the most out of security efforts.

To find out more about how these capable frameworks can be put to use within an organisation, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.

Biometrics market growth means good news for security

Security is something that needs to stay at the top of the priority list for modern businesses, especially with cyber attacks and internal data breaches a constant concern.

Neglecting security for mobile devices and computer systems could leave these technologies exposed, making it easy for sensitive documents or files to leak. In turn, this can lead to financial fallout as the business struggles to undo the damage.

There could be a solution, however, in the form of capable biometric technologies.

These are the technologies found on devices like the iPhone 6 from Apple – small sensors embedded in the device that can read a fingerprint and verify the user's identity before unlocking.

Dealing with security

Security is currently something that's quite difficult to ensure, especially in larger organisations with hundreds of staff. As these workers will often be using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets on a regular basis, there's a high chance of a breach.

Staff could leave these devices in public places, exposed to a potentially malicious third party. The same goes for laptops and other portable computers. Within the workplace, disgruntled staff could access devices without permission, another potential cause of an information leak.

This growing technology could soon solve a number of security issues, thanks to greater device security and easier access for staff.

The benefits of biometrics

The improvements over traditional security measures are clear with biometric technology; there's no need to type in lengthy passcodes for each app and it means the devices are essentially impervious without the right fingerprint.

Biometric uptake is now increasing, with a report from ABI Research predicting significant growth in the sector this year. In fact, the revenues for the biometrics market could reach US$13.8 billion in 2015 alone – with further growth in the years after.

ABI explained that current biometric efforts stem from government entities, but growing consumer acceptance could lead to further consumer and enterprise uptake. By 2017, ABI predicts these two sectors will overtake government usage, thus becoming the largest segment of the market.

"Recent events [2014 data breaches] will no doubt increase governmental spending in 2015 as security measures are intensified in Europe and the United States," the report stated.

Biometrics in the enterprise

The ABI report also went into detail about the enterprise use-cases for wearable technologies, and how efforts have already begun.

"Enterprise demand is cooking up a plethora of wearables and smartphone technologies to implement biometrics into their products and services," ABI explained.

The report then went on to explore the possible growth in regions around the world.

"North America and Asia-Pacific will drive the field in sales in the following years while countries in the Middle East are expected to have mandatory biometric registration in the coming years."

While North America and Asia-Pacific are largely unsurprising, it's certainly a change to see the Middle East pull ahead of Europe.

It won't be long before biometrics are a given on nearly every new mobile device, and certainly those technologies used within enterprise environments.

Companies also need to consider frameworks; processes designed to manage the implementation of new technologies.

With data breaches likely to continue throughout this year, taking action with regards to security is of the utmost importance.

There are a substantial number of frameworks available, including SABSA and ISO, and businesses need to consider them in order to get the most out of security efforts.

To find out more about how these capable frameworks can be put to use within an organisation, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.