Remote Workforce Demands Biometric Identity Assurance

The ability to work outside the traditional office became a requirement when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Because of lockdown mandates and physical distancing protocols, enterprises that operated on-premise were forced to migrate to the digital realm. Adopting a remote work model enabled many to continue their activities despite pandemic limitations.

However, this sudden shift to remote operations can also pose security threats to organizations. Numerous enterprises still use conventional identity verification processes like passwords, which are ineffective in confirming someone’s claimed identity. Even when a criminal uses another person’s login credentials, the system will allow access to the account since the password is correct.

In the remote workforce, identity assurance is paramount because of the valuable company data they handle. Therefore, enterprises must replace outdated security systems with more robust identity verification solutions.

Ideally, companies should implement passwordless login to keep their networks secure. They can employ multifactor authentication (MFA) that combines mobile biometric identity verification with on-device authentication factors like cryptographic keys.

The biometric identity proofing process confirms the person’s claimed identity by comparing the selfie and the photo of the valid government ID they took during onboarding. This procedure also involves the individual undergoing additional security controls like active liveness detection and anti-spoofing confirmation to ensure their real-time presence. Often, the person is asked to perform gestures known only at the time of authentication, such as blinking, smiling, or moving their head.

Once a trusted identity has been created during enrollment, users can register their devices to their accounts as an extra barrier in MFA. Device-based authentication like FIDO2’s cryptographic keys is more secure than passwords since they cannot be unlocked without the biometric login credential.

With these modern identity proofing solutions, enterprises can gain confidence that only legitimate telecommuters can access the system. To learn more about the matter, read this infographic from authID that explains why the remote workforce demands biometric identity assurance.