How does biometric auth enhance compliance & security?

Vincent Delitz

Vincent

Created: January 31, 2025

Updated: February 2, 2025

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How Does Biometric Authentication Enhance Compliance & Security?#

Biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello) is a key component of modern digital security, enhancing both compliance and user protection. When combined with passkeys and WebAuthn, biometrics provide a seamless yet highly secure authentication method that aligns with PSD2’s Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements.

biometric authentication security compliance

How Biometrics Improve Security#

1. Phishing Resistance#

  • Unlike passwords, biometric credentials cannot be phished or stolen.
  • Attackers cannot trick users into providing a fingerprint or face scan on fraudulent websites.

2. Hardware-Backed Security#

  • Biometric authentication occurs in secure hardware modules, such as:
    • Secure Enclave (Apple)
    • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) (Windows)
    • Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) (Android)
  • These modules prevent unauthorized access to biometric data.
  • Traditional authentication methods (passwords, OTPs) are vulnerable to:
    • Credential stuffing
    • Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
    • Data breaches
  • Biometrics eliminate these risks by removing passwords from authentication flows.
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How Biometrics Support Regulatory Compliance#

1. Meets PSD2’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Requirements#

  • PSD2 mandates that authentication includes at least two of the following:
    • Something You Know (e.g., PIN, password)
    • Something You Have (e.g., device with passkey)
    • Something You Are (e.g., fingerprint, face scan)
  • Passkeys with biometrics inherently fulfill this requirement by combining device-bound security with biometric authentication.

2. Ensures Dynamic Linking in Payment Authentication#

  • PSD2 requires transactions to be cryptographically bound to authentication.
  • Biometrics securely verify the user’s presence during sensitive transactions, reducing fraud risk.

3. Secure and Private Data Storage#

  • Biometric data is never stored in the cloud; instead, it is kept locally on the device in a secure enclave.
  • This ensures compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations.

4. Reduced Fraud & Lower Compliance Costs#

  • Financial institutions face PSD2 non-compliance penalties if fraud rates exceed thresholds.
  • Biometrics significantly lower fraud risks, reducing the need for additional security measures.

Why Passkeys + Biometrics Are the Future of Authentication#

  • Seamless user experience: No need for users to remember passwords.
  • Highly secure: Prevents phishing, replay attacks, and credential theft.
  • Regulatory compliance: Meets PSD2’s SCA requirements with hardware-backed authentication.

Conclusion#

Biometric authentication enhances both security and compliance by providing phishing-resistant, hardware-backed authentication that aligns with PSD2, SCA, and global security standards. When combined with passkeys and WebAuthn, it eliminates password risks, enhances fraud prevention, and ensures seamless multi-factor authentication.

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