Biometrics – first step in Zero Trust strategies

Michel Roig, President, Head of Payments & Access at Fingerprint Cards discusses if biometrics can be the first step towards a Zero Trust strategy.

Today’s enterprises are being challenged to stay one step ahead of security threats. Data shows that in 2021, the average cost of a data breach reached USD 4.24 million, up from USD 3.86 million in 2020 and the highest in 17 years.

The surge in flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Working From Anywhere – WFA) is making an already challenging situation even more complex. Leaders now need to decide how to combine enterprise-level security with current working models. The timing could not be more critical. In 2021, the average cost of a data breach where WFA was a factor was a million dollars higher compared to non-WFA related breaches, and many organisations still need to adopt a stronger security strategy for cloud-data storage.  

An important strategy attracting increasing attention is a Zero Trust approach to security. While organisations consider how to implement Zero Trust in their IT strategies, a first step could be to consider the role of biometric authentication for logical access control, throughout digital estates.  

What is Zero Trust security?

First conceptualised over a decade ago, Zero Trust is a security model that is deployed to mitigate the complexities of today’s agile and technology-driven workplaces.    

Essentially, Zero Trust entails constant ID verification, assumes breaches all the time, and puts digital estates on a “never trust, always verify” footing across all its aspects: hardware, software, procedures, networks, databases, and humans.  

One of the reasons Zero Trust has been attracting attention is because of its role in integrating the highly secure enterprise digital estates with less secure environments. For many organisations looking to level up their security to accommodate flexible working, this is a perfect solution as it throws up a hard security ‘shell’ around employees wherever and whenever they are working. This is a key factor as to why as many as three-quarters of organisations are looking to adopt Zero Trust. 

Zero Trust is a broad approach, with several overlapping elements that create robust security throughout the digital estate. Among its key pillars supporting organisations: identity, endpoint, application, and infrastructure security, one binding technology that can help decision-makers to take the lead is biometric authentication.

Getting Authentication right 

As organisations develop plans to adopt Zero Trust, authenticating users that interact with digital estates is front of mind.

The fresh thinking of Zero Trust brings an opportunity to migrate away from traditional authentication methods like PINs and passwords. The rationale is obvious. 80% of breaches and hacks can be attributed to compromised credentials, and 60% of people think there are too many passwords to remember. This is having a direct effect on attitudes towards password and PIN hygiene. 40% of us admit to reusing the same one across our personal and professional accounts, and many continue to still use highly predictable ones.     

Media contact

Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

ASSA ABLOY - securitybuyer.com

BG100 Speedgate Recognised with Red Dot Award

Combining an Aesthetically Appealing Design, Function and Innovation, the BG100 Speedgate Sets New Benchmark for …
Product Spotlight - Videx - securitybuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Era Series

VIDEX presents its new series of outdoor compact video door entry systems, Era Series, and showcases their durability, configuration…
Milestone - SecurityBuyer

Milestone Systems updates across XProtect, BriefCam, Arcules

Milestone Systems today announced updates across its complete security technology portfolio with releases for XProtect
ASSA ABLOY SMARTair - Security Buyer

More flexible management of Gen-Z student accommodation

Almost everyone attending university for the first time is now a digital native. They expect the convenience…
ICT - securitybuyer

ICT announces Martin Vermaak as COO

Integrated Control Technology (ICT), a leading provider of intelligent access control, intrusion detection, building automation..
SB Awards register now advert - Security Buyer

Launching Security Buyer Awards

Honouring innovation, leadership, and success across the global security industry at the Security Buyer Judges’ and Readers’ Awards 2025 
Product Spotlight - HID

Product Spotlight – HID

Access control is evolving into a smart, responsive platform—integrating embedded apps, IoT, and cybersecurity to deliver…
ICT

ICT announces Stewart Meyer as Chief Marketing Officer

Integrated Control Technology (ICT®), a leading provider of intelligent access control, intrusion detection, building automation and…
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions

Digitalising access and optimising workflows

Digitalization is high on the agenda, or well under-way, in all kinds of commercial environments. As part of this process…
TDSi

TDSi Launches UK GARDiS Installer Training

Integrated Access Control and Security manufacturer TDSi announces that it is offering a free Training Kit to individuals taking part…
Scroll to Top