A couple of decades ago, facial recognition seemed like an impossible idea straight out of a sci-fi movie. Yet today, thanks to groundbreaking technological developments, facial recognition has not only become a reality, but it has gained mainstream acceptance across a range of industries. With mobile devices constantly adding new, improved features, could facial recognition become a staple for smartphone and tablet security?
What is facial recognition?
Facial recognition is the process of matching an incoming face image obtained through a specialized camera, to an image of a client’s face that has been already captured and stored in a database in a way that takes its key biometric features into account. It is widely regarded as a solution that has many benefits and potential uses – from serving law enforcement purposes or helping in airport security to making targeted advertising a breeze. When it comes to mobile devices like smartphones, facial recognition is mostly used for security purposes. While it still has some way to go in terms of fine tuning its potential, it is generally conceded that it is an improvement over the usual passwords, unlock patterns, or pins, on which mobile devices still rely.
Facial recognition software could help secure sensitive apps
Facial recognition could also play a crucial role in securing mobile apps that, by definition, have access to financial transactions data, like mobile casino apps. As online gambling has become commonplace, punters across the world turn to online versions of their favorite games like roulette, poker or blackjack, as they appreciate the convenience and ease of online casino games. This has led more and more casinos to embrace mobile apps that are dedicated to online casino table games, including very popular online slot games, in their efforts to reach out to a wider audience. Some of these casino apps already use thumbprint technology as another way to harness biometric data in protecting financially sensitive apps – so facial recognition could be the next step.
The history of facial recognition for mobile devices
Facial recognition tech for mobile devices was first introduced in 2005 at a security show in Japan. Created by industry leader Omron, the OKAO Vision Face Recognition Sensor, as was its full name, was able to successfully recognize faces in 99% of the time, according to the company’s tests. While the tech was already there, companies and customers alike did not seem too interested in the idea, until the iPhone X took over the concept in 2017.
Since then, newer models of Apple’s iPhone and iPad Pro lines of products feature the Face ID technology that allows users to safely unlock their devices. The software uses a TrueDepth camera to recognize the user’s unique face geometry. Face ID can also be used to allow customers to securely sign into apps or authorize financial transactions and payments through Apple Pay.
Yet the new tech has also been criticized by some leading cybersecurity experts, such as Kaspersky Lab, who have found fault with its shortcomings when it comes to being fooled by photos. The firm has emphasized that facial recognition software should come with improved hardware to match, in order to make for overall better security. Otherwise, it seems that it can actually result in lower levels of security for users who rely on it too much.
