Biometric authentication is popular as a security system since it uses physical characteristics of people to identify them feel Bahaa Abdul Hadi. The use of fingerprints and facial scans is well-known. A new and emerging authentication is using brainwaves for authentication. It is a new system that is promising and offers exciting prospects. We look at how it works and consumer attitudes towards this system.

What is Brainwave Authentication?

Brainwaves are unique to each individual and hence can be used as an authentication method. Studies have shown that brainwaves stand out compared to traditionally used biometrics. EEG or Electroencephologram readers can be used to measures brainwaves. Once measured, they can be used for authentication.

An interesting point to note is that the brainwaves must be generated in response to a stimulus like an image or sound. The user needs to do a task and the EEG device would measure brainwaves while the task is done. A common perception is that EEG devices are bulky. But this is not true since consumer-grade EEG devices are available. It makes the process of reading brainwaves easy.

Once the brainwaves are recorded using the EEG, they can be recorded and stored. Subsequently, the brainwaves can be used for authentication. This system is reliable and uses non-invasive devices for convenience. Research is being done on brainwave authentication classification methods. More study is needed to make this system more robust and used for different applications.

Consumer attitudes to brainwave authentication

There are many issues and concerns regarding brainwave authentication. They include:

  • The first and major concern is regarding the process of reading brainwaves. While fingerprints, iris scan, and face scanning can be done using non-contact readers brainwave requires contact. In hospital setups, the EEG needs the use of invasive electrode use. Consumer-grade EEG devices are non-invasive and come in the form a headset to be fixed to the head. While the device is portable, it is still bulk which is a concern.
  • Participants in experiments have expressed concerns over whether illness and stress may affect the brainwaves.
  • Sentences are used to create stimuli to generate brainwaves. When used for children, this method may not be fully effective.
  • The process of authentication would take a lot of time compared to fingerprint scanning. It is an area of concern that needs improvement.
  • More studies are needed for practical implementation of the system.

It is a major challenge to overcome these concerns. When this is done, consumer acceptance will be higher with a higher trust in this system. The blog has been written by Bahaa Abdul Hadi and has been published by the editorial board of Identity Herald. For more information, please visit www.identityherald.com.