Biological traits for physiological biometric authentication

In a world where our identities live in digital wallets and cloud servers, proving who we are has never been more critical — or more complicated. With cybercrime and identity theft reaching unprecedented levels, traditional methods of authentication like passwords and security questions are proving to be both vulnerable and outdated. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of U.S. data compromises in 2023 reached an all-time high, affecting more than 353 million people. As fraud tactics evolve, so must our methods of defense. 

That’s where physiological biometric authentication comes in. Leveraging biological traits that are unique to each individual, this method offers a powerful, reliable, and efficient way to confirm identity across digital and physical spaces. Whether it's unlocking your phone with a glance or passing through airport security using facial recognition, physiological biometric authentication is redefining the future of identity. 

What is physiological biometric authentication? 

Physiological biometric authentication is a form of security verification that uses measurable biological traits to authenticate an individual’s identity. Unlike knowledge-based authentication methods (like passwords or PINs), biometrics draw from the physical characteristics that are inherently unique to each person—such as facial structure, voice characteristics, fingerprints, or iris patterns. 

It’s important to understand the difference between verification and authentication. Identity verification is the process of determining whether someone is who they claim to be, while authentication is the process of verifying that someone is who they claim to be to allow access to an account, device, or location. Common authentication types include something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a mobile phone or token), and something the user is (biometric data like a face). Physiological biometric authentication focuses on the latter: establishing identity with confidence using the body’s own blueprint. You can learn more about biometric authentication here. 

Common types of physiological biometrics 

A range of biological traits can be used for physiological biometric authentication. Each modality offers its own balance of accuracy, ease of use, and implementation complexity. 

Facial recognition 

Facial recognition is one of the most widely adopted biometric technologies today. It analyzes the spatial geometry of facial features to identify individuals. For example, the distance between the eyes or the shape of the cheekbones. Facial recognition is now common in smartphones, airport security, and even ATMs in some countries. 

Voice recognition 

Voice is technically influenced by both, physiological and behavioral factors and is considered a hybrid because vocal tract shape – which influences the tone and identity of someone’s voice - is physiological while the manner of speaking – rhythm, emphasis, speech habits - is considered behavioral. Voice recognition systems analyze these characteristics to authenticate users during phone calls, virtual assistant interactions, and customer service engagements. Voice biometrics can also be used as part of a multimodal biometric authentication process when logging into an app or initiating a high-risk transaction. 

Fingerprint recognition 

Fingerprint recognition has long been a staple of biometric authentication. Its convenience and the uniqueness of each fingerprint have made it a popular choice for securing smartphones, laptops, and even border checkpoints. However, as spoofing techniques evolve and user expectations shift, newer modalities like facial and behavioral biometrics are gaining ground—often used in combination to provide stronger, layered security. 

Iris and retina scanning 

These modalities rely on the unique patterns found in the human eye. Iris scanning examines the colored ring around the pupil, which contains intricate and distinctive patterns. Retina scanning focuses on the pattern of blood vessels at the back of the eye. Both methods offer extremely high accuracy and are commonly used in high-security environments. 

How physiological biometric authentication works 

Though the specific technology may vary by modality, the basic workflow for physiological biometric authentication typically follows three stages: 

Enrollment 

The process begins with enrollment, where a person’s biometric data is captured for the first time. For example, a fingerprint scanner might record a digital map of someone’s fingerprints, or a camera might scan the face to create a facial template. 

Storage 

Once captured, this data is converted into a biometric template—a mathematical representation of the trait. These templates are stored securely in a central database or locally on a user’s device. Unlike raw images or recordings, templates are designed to be non-reversible, which helps protect user privacy and security. 

Matching 

During an authentication attempt, the system captures a new sample and compares it to the stored template. If the two align closely enough, the identity is confirmed. The matching process involves sophisticated algorithms designed to account for minor variations due to lighting, angle, or background noise. 

Advantages of physiological biometric authentication 

Physiological biometrics offer more than just a high-tech way to authenticate an identity. They deliver tangible benefits for both security and user experience. As digital interactions become more frequent and sensitive, the advantages of using biological traits for authentication are becoming increasingly clear. 

Enhanced security 

Biological traits are incredibly difficult to forge or replicate, making physiological biometric authentication more secure than passwords or tokens. A fingerprint can’t be guessed, and a face can’t be stolen in the same way as a PIN. 

User convenience 

Users no longer need to remember complex passwords or carry physical authentication devices. With physiological biometrics, your body becomes the key to enabling you to unlock devices and authorize transactions with a glance, touch, or spoken phrase. 

Efficiency 

Biometric systems streamline the authentication process. Whether it’s boarding a plane, logging into an app, or accessing a secure facility, physiological biometrics significantly reduce time and friction, especially in high-traffic environments. 

Challenges and considerations 

Despite its many advantages, physiological biometric authentication is not without limitations. Organizations must carefully navigate issues like data privacy, accuracy, and the impact of physical changes to ensure reliable and ethical use. 

Privacy concerns 

Because biometric data is inherently personal, its storage and use raise significant privacy concerns. The worry is that if a biometric database is compromised, the consequences are far more severe than a leaked password—after all, you can’t change your fingerprint or retina. It’s for this reason that companies store digital templates of biometric captures. These cannot be reverse engineered, so even in the event of a breach, the data is protected.  

False acceptance and rejection rates 

No biometric system is perfect. A False Acceptance Rate (FAR) occurs when the system incorrectly accepts an unauthorized person, while a False Rejection Rate (FRR) denies access to an authorized individual. Striking the right balance between security and usability is critical.  

When biometric systems are used for authentication, it's critical to prioritize a zero or near-zero False Acceptance Rate (FAR). While this may result in a higher False Rejection Rate (FRR), the primary goal in authentication is to prevent unauthorized access—even at the cost of occasionally rejecting legitimate users.  

Physical changes 

Aging, injuries, or medical conditions can alter biometric features. For instance, a scar may affect fingerprint recognition, or vocal changes may impact voice authentication. Systems must be designed to adapt to such changes without compromising security. 

Real-world applications and case studies 

Physiological biometric authentication is being adopted across a wide range of industries: 

Finance and banking 

Many financial institutions now rely on facial and fingerprint recognition to authenticate users during mobile banking sessions and ATM withdrawals. Biometric login features have been widely adopted by major financial institutions to reduce fraud and simplify customer access.  

Vanquis Bank, a UK-based credit card provider, partnered with Mitek to improve its digital onboarding and identity verification process. Previously, customers had to mail in physical documents to verify their identity, which caused delays and increased drop-off rates. By implementing Mitek’s biometric identity verification solution, Vanquis enabled customers to verify their identity in minutes by submitting a selfie and a photo of their ID via mobile, thereby streamlining the onboarding time, improving regulatory compliance, and significantly enhancing fraud prevention. 

Healthcare 

Hospitals and clinics use biometric identifiers like facial scans and fingerprints to accurately link patients to their medical records, helping prevent identity fraud and reduce errors. These systems also streamline check-in processes and improve patient safety. Fingerprint scanners are commonly used to control access to restricted areas such as drug cabinets and labs, ensuring only authorized staff can enter.  

Some healthcare providers are also adopting advanced methods like palm vein or iris scanning to further enhance security and regulatory compliance. For example, biometric platforms like Mitek’s MiPass can help healthcare organizations securely onboard patients, eliminate duplicate records, and maintain compliance with strict regulatory standards like HIPAA. 

Travel and border security 

Physiological biometric authentication plays an increasingly vital role in border security around the world. As governments aim to provide fast, easy travel while maintaining high levels of safety, biometric technologies offer a reliable solution for verifying identities at scale. Many countries now use biometrics for passport control and customs screening, helping to accelerate processing times and reduce the risk of identity fraud.  

In the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented facial recognition as part of its Biometric Entry-Exit program. At major international airports, departing passengers are scanned in real time and matched against their official passport or visa photos. As of early 2023, CBP had processed over 200 million travelers through this system and identified more than 1,800 individuals attempting to travel under false identities. 

Future trends in physiological biometric authentication 

As fraud tactics continue to evolve, so too must the technologies designed to stop them. The future of physiological biometric authentication lies in emerging innovations that not only improve accuracy and speed but also offer stronger protection against sophisticated threats. 

Advanced liveness detection 

Liveness detection ensures that the biometric sample is from a live person, not a photo, video, or mask. Techniques such as micro-expression analysis, eye movement tracking, and skin texture evaluation can help prevent spoofing attacks. 

Deepfake and injection attack detection 

With AI-generated deepfakes on the rise, new defenses are being developed to identify synthetic media and detect attempts to fool biometric systems using altered or fake inputs. This is critical in preventing fraud in remote onboarding and digital identity verification. 

AI and machine learning integration 

Artificial intelligence enhances biometric systems by continuously learning from new data. This improves matching accuracy, reduces error rates, and allows for adaptive authentication that responds to context, like location or behavior, to assess risk in real time. 

The importance of rapid authentication in preventing fraud 

In fraud prevention, speed is essential. Delays can lead to friction, abandonment, or worse—unauthorized access. Physiological biometric authentication provides rapid, reliable identification, making it ideal for time-sensitive environments like online banking or airport security. 

Comparing physiological and behavioral biometrics 

While physiological biometrics focus on physical traits, behavioral biometrics analyze patterns in how a person acts, such as typing rhythm, mouse movements, or dominant hand usage. Each has unique advantages: 

Often, combining both types creates a multi-layered security framework, offering both instant authentication and ongoing user monitoring. 

Integrating biometric authentication into existing security systems 

Successfully deploying physiological biometric authentication requires thoughtful integration with current infrastructure. Here are best practices to ensure success: 

• Choose scalable technology: Opt for solutions that support multiple modalities and can scale with organizational growth. 

• Prioritize user experience: Biometric systems should work seamlessly in real-world conditions. Frictionless interfaces encourage user adoption. 

• Ensure data security: Use encrypted templates and decentralized storage wherever possible. Implement access controls and regular audits. 

• Test for inclusivity: Ensure the system performs well across diverse populations, including different ethnicities, ages, and physical conditions. 

Why it matters 

As identity fraud becomes more sophisticated, so must the technologies designed to stop it. Physiological biometric authentication offers a compelling solution as it is rooted in the unique traits of our biology. By analyzing fingerprints, faces, eyes, and voices, it provides a secure, efficient, and user-friendly way to establish trust in both digital and physical spaces. 

While privacy and ethical considerations remain critical, the future of biometric authentication requires constant evolution. With advancements in AI, liveness detection, and fraud detection, the next generation of biometric systems promises even greater accuracy, protection, and peace of mind. 

In a world where identity is under constant threat, physiological biometric authentication stands as a resilient and intelligent defense—proving that sometimes, the best password is you. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 

What distinguishes physiological biometrics from behavioral biometrics? 

Physiological biometrics rely on physical characteristics that are unique to each individual, such as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, or palm vein structures. These traits remain relatively stable over time and form the foundation for identity authentication in many high-security environments. 

In contrast, behavioral biometrics focus on analyzing patterns in human activity, like typing rhythm, mouse movements, or voice dynamics. While physiological traits confirm who you are, behavioral traits help determine how you act, often used for continuous or adaptive authentication in digital environments. 

How secure is physiological biometric authentication compared to traditional methods? 

Physiological biometric authentication offers a higher level of security than traditional methods like passwords or PINs. Biological traits are inherently unique and difficult to replicate, making them far less vulnerable to theft, guessing, or sharing. When paired with technologies like liveness detection and encryption, these traits provide a highly reliable way to confirm identity. Unlike passwords, which can be easily compromised through phishing or data breaches, biometric data is tied directly to the individual, creating a strong, body-based layer of protection. 

Can physiological biometric systems accommodate individuals with disabilities? 

Yes. Modern biometric systems are increasingly designed with inclusivity in mind. Vendors and developers are working to ensure that authentication technologies are accessible to users with physical or sensory impairments. For example: 

• Facial recognition systems can accommodate users who are missing fingers or limbs. 

• Voice recognition may be a suitable alternative for individuals unable to use touch-based systems. 

• Multimodal biometrics, which combine two or more methods (e.g., facial + voice), help ensure that individuals can authenticate even if one modality is not available or practical. 
   

Ongoing advancements in machine learning and user-centered design are helping to make biometric security more equitable and accessible for all users. 

If you would like to learn more about biometric authentication, please contact us for a demo. 

About Becky Kiichle-Gross

Becky Kiichle-Gross is Principal Software Product Manager at Mitek, where she leads the development of the company’s image capture and multimodal biometric authentication solutions. Becky has a deep understanding in product development and has managed several product launches across markets including retail, healthcare, aerospace, and banking. With extensive expertise and a passion for solving customer problems, Becky is instrumental in driving innovations that help clients combat fraud and bolster trust.