MOVING ON FROM PASSWORDS: BIOMETRICS AND MULTI- FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

It’s time to move on from passwords. We can do better, and companies in regulated industries must. With biometrics, it’s easier than you’d think.

For most pharmaceutical and biotech companies, passwords check all these boxes. Every error and password re-set creates risk, concerns for regulators, and lost time for everyone involved.

Biometrics are biological measurements or physical characteristics used to identify individuals. They’ re inherently unique, so cannot be shared or lost as passwords, tokens, or cards can. A biometrically-authenticated user can log into computer systems securely and can electronically sign within applications.

New capabilities

Biometrics offer a streamlined and secure way to comply with both user authentication and non-repudiation requirements. Many people already use biometrics to access their personal smartphones and tablets. This widespread use has helped make this technology widely available, reliable, and cost- effective.

While biometrics are becoming commonplace with consumer electronics, industries are only slowly starting to adopt them. Biometrics require amentality shift in employees, from “what they know” to “who they are,” which raises privacy concerns.

Moving on

Many companies are beginning to add a layer of software and biometric sensing devices to make multi-factor authentication a reality. Users find it convenient, and with the Nymi approach, the user authentication happens once and stays on while the band is on the user. User biometrics never leave the band, maintaining the individual’s privacy.

Once you migrate from passwords to biometrics, you’ll never want to go back. Authenticated users, IT team, regulators, and company leaders will all agree that it’s progress.