In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Demystifying Biometrics: The Safe or Unsafe Use of Biometrics,” presented by Doug OGorden, Director of Digital Media & Events at AID2entry & BIPAbuzz – Get To The Point Media. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!
Q: How did you become interested in your topic?
A: When COVID-19 shut down our world, it exposed just how unprepared we were for dealing with the digital transformation of our day-to-day lives… and created an opportunity for cyber-criminals, particularly from Russia and China, to defraud over $400 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. The inability to confirm identities remotely made online crime exceptionally easy to commit and even easier to get away with. In response, in 2021, investors poured $3 billion into Identity Verification (IDV) companies to develop ways to better identify, authenticate, and authorize individuals behind online transactions.
While working in the digital identity market during this gold rush, I began to wonder how the physical access and security industry was addressing the identification, authentication and authorization of individuals accessing desktops and doorways in the real world. Even today the physical security industry still struggles to ensure with 100% certainty that the person logging into a corporate network or entering a facility is indeed who they claim to be… I call it the “holy grail” or “missing link” that the PACS industry still can only dream about.
I believe my purpose is to educate the security industry on the safe and ethical use of “using YOU” as the personal credential for both physical and digital access, enabling a truly mobile, touchless, and frictionless experience at work and play.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar.
A: Biometrics are not new, but the ways we access and store them digitally are only just beginning to be understood and implemented. My presentation will demystify biometrics and explain how using unique personal identity markers can actually enhance our privacy. I will discuss the current barriers to adoption and implementation, and why it is crucial for security professionals to stay informed about technology & privacy advancements.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic?
A: The most important thing is to establish a privacy, trust, and consent policy with every employee before implementing a biometric solution. Educate yourself thoroughly or consult an expert. Ensure compliance with state laws, such as Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), which is considered the gold standard for biometric-related lawsuits. Understand that biometrics are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every industry. Keep an open mind during discussions and explore the current methods available for securing and storing reusable, decentralized, self-sovereign identities. Remember, what worked in 2008 might not be suitable for 2024.
Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years?
A: We are transitioning from a “Flintstones to Jetsons” world, and biometrics will only continue to grow in popularity. The younger generation, accustomed to accessing everything with their fingers or faces, will drive this change, questioning why previous generations were so hesitant. By May 7, 2025, the REAL ID deadline, we will begin to see new methods of using our identities at work and in our personal lives.
Q: Why do you attend GSX?
A:
- Networking
- Learning
- Business opportunities
- To reconnect with friends and colleagues in the industry