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Unlocking the Benefits of Kensington Biometrics for Password Security

Person using Kensington VeriMark to unlock computer

“The Kensington VeriMark IT Fingerprint Key is a pretty solid solution for controlling biometric login on multiple computers in a business environment.” – Jason Bouwmeester, Techaeris

Passwordless authentication with biometrics is more secure than any other method for the security of your laptop, computer, or workstation. This technology is relatively new to consumers. Until a few years ago, biometrics wasn’t available to everyone like it is today.

Fingerprint authentication has been around since the 1970s. However, it wasn’t introduced as a consumer security option until Apple developed Touch ID in the mid-2000s. And Apple has remained the leader over Android in this area of security.  

When it was first released, Apple’s Touch ID allowed users to unlocked devices, purchase digital media content, and authenticate Apple Pay. Face ID became available with the iPhone X in 2017, and advances in Voice ID are the next steps in biometrics that experts expect to be a game-changer. Voice recognition is easy to implement and tough to manipulate.

These methods increase privacy, but the fact they are so easy to use while providing the best in protection is why users expect this safety feature. Users want passwordless authentication technology on all of their devices and security systems.      

Convenience and peace of mind are a few of the benefits of passwordless authentication with biometrics. As the technology improves, you are going to see an increased dependency on passwordless security solutions.     

The Benefits of Unlocking Password Security With Kensington Biometrics

Biometrics is nothing new. It has been around for decades. Yet, early advancement in this field left users unimpressed. Many experts claimed the early technology was more of a gimmick and less of a solution, but that never stopped developers. Biometric technology isn’t going anywhere any time soon. On the contrary, you will continue to see a rise in the use of this security method.

As one of the industry leaders in data protection, Kensington works with other industry front-runners to develop security options. Synaptics engineers the chipset used to engineer Kensington Biometric devices.

Yet, not all fingerprint authentication is the same, so Kensington continues to leverage Synaptics technology by working together to develop the latest security solutions available to the public.

The goal is to eliminate passwords and replace them with identification authentication that cannot be manipulated, spoofed, or stolen. Synaptics engineers developed the SentryPoint™ security suite, a proprietary anti-spoofing solution that offers security at the highest level.  

Kensington Biometrics Versus Other Security Methods

If passwords are out, and technology is the best solution, what happens when other forms of multi-factor authentication (MFA) fail? By implementing multiple security methods to access your devices, data, or user accounts, you provide one more obstacle for scammers and hijackers to overcome. 

These systems are often compromised. Passwords are easy to forget, as can be the answers to security questions. Devices will often save password information for convenience, only to cause data breaches if your laptop or mobile phone is lost or stolen, or compromised by malware.

The Advantages Of Using Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is your primary defense when it comes to systems security. They are effective. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says attacks on MFAs are rare.

Ways that hackers can circumvent other seemingly substantial security measures:

  • Social Engineering:  Scammers use manipulation to gain access to an individual’s security information through unscrupulous methods.
  • Cyberattack Tools:  Sites like NecroBrowser and Muraen allow cyber-attackers access to user accounts by uploading an SSH key, chaining bugs on WordPress, or automating remote code execution (RCE), among other methods.   
  • SIM Swapping:  This occurs when a hacker gains access to your mobile device via the SIM card. A SIM swap targets MFA when the second factor involves a text verification or call made to a cell phone.    

To launch successful phishing campaigns, 99% of scams rely on an action taken by the target, like clicking a link or opening an attachment. Good hijackers know that instinctively you are curious and trusting and will inadvertently allow access to your system. Including a Kensington Biometrics tool will heighten your system security.

Mobile Authentication Compared to Biometrics

As remote access becomes imperative in business to support a mobile workforce, secure connections to private networks are essential. VPNs, or virtual private networks, that rely on password authentication alone are only as safe as the complexity of that passcode.

Even security that offers device recognition will not provide the level of privacy your home or office needs. To adequately protect business and consumer accounts, biometrics is the one element no one can forge or duplicate.

Improve Remote Workplace Security With Reader Keys and Biometrics

Career-placement sites have reported a more than 28% increase in remote job openings from previous years. Yet, remote access into a workstation creates a myriad of security risks. And, most companies are not prepared to handle the security risks of employees working from home.

User credentials, MFAs, and private networks become more adequately secure with the use of biometrics. When 63% of data breaches occur due to weak or compromised passwords, you know that your personal and business-related information needs the level of protection only biometrics can offer.

Kensington’s solution was to provide the best passwordless authentication by releasing the VeriMark™ Fingerprint USB reader key. It easily plugs into your USB port, and your system goes to work, immediately recognizing the device. According to industry experts, this USB reader key outperforms other bio-key readers on the market and has earned the POC Network Editor’s Choice for 2020.   

Passwords Aren’t Secure Without Kensington Biometrics

Passwords are a hassle, and they are not secure enough. Employees will choose passwords that are easy to remember. They will try to use the same passwords for multiple accounts and reuse previous passwords even if prompted to change their password regularly. Worse yet, some people will write passwords down, nullifying any security whatsoever.

The fact remains that a data breach can be devastating to you or your business. Passwords will not protect you, or your business, from being hacked.

We know how essential security is for you at both your home and your office. Check out how Kensington Biometrics can protect against scams and cyber-threats.