There is no wonder that the widespread digital transformation in recent decades has played a role in the rise of cyberattacks around the globe. Modern technology allows cybercriminals to use sophisticated and tech-savvy tricks to exploit their target’s security. This further expanded the ways bad actors can harm businesses and government institutions, allowing them to steal funds and confidential information.
However, apart from the growth of technological consumption, plenty of other factors can also affect the increase in cybersecurity threats. For example, government conflicts and regulations have always been an ideal motive for someone to conduct a cyberattack. The recent sanctions imposed by the US Government on Russia after their Ukraine invasion led to an 800% increase in Russian-sponsored online attacks.
The US government also invested in more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions that can efficiently fend off fraudsters. President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14028 in 2021 called for improvements in the nation’s cybersecurity. This would allow the authorities to implement robust digital security measures on their private infrastructure and networks.
In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urged organizations and online users to protect online data aggressively. This is mainly because traditional systems are still in place, and practices such as identity authentication using a password are already vulnerable to modern tricks. Furthermore, the National Institute of Standards and Technology also warned about firms using SMS to send a one-time use code to those trying to access their services.
With this in mind, it is already considered the perfect time for the public sector to partner with private organizations to adopt multi-factor authentication (MFA). The MFA process is already present in multiple complex business types and can help provide a high degree of protection for classified data. This can also allow government institutions to implement passwordless login, which is already being implemented by industry leaders worldwide through the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) alliance.
Apart from the MFA system, using biometric authentication on its own can already provide a faster login option without compromising the user’s data. Implementing a mobile facial biometric identity solution can help authenticate an individual in real-time to guarantee that they are legitimate users and not bad actors pretending as one. A consent-based facial matching system will enable the public and private sectors to give their user base an easy-to-use and highly secure solution.
Implementing modern cybersecurity processes, such as biometrics, can help the government achieve its “zero trust” approach to internet security. To learn more about how facial biometrics can help protect America’s infrastructure from cyberattacks, check this article provided by authID.