Online gaming has grown massively in recent years. Over the past decade, millions of players around the world have downloaded and logged into various online games on computers, mobile devices, and consoles. With the industry experiencing such rapid expansion, a need for more secure platforms and increased security measures has arisen. As the online gaming industry has grown, so have the levels of online threats and security risks. Gamers who log into online gaming accounts can be subjected to account hacks, personal information leaks, and transaction fraud. To respond to the rising threat levels, online game platforms have started implementing more advanced security measures. One such measure is biometric authentication. This technology allows platforms to strengthen platform security while also improving the overall gaming experience.
The Importance of Security in Online Gaming
Modern online gaming is an interconnected experience. Gamers often sign up to online gaming platforms using their personal email address and connect a form of payment method to pay for in-game purchases. This means online gamers are providing sensitive personal information like credit or debit card information. Security breaches can result in this information being stolen. Additionally, online gamers are also at risk of account takeovers. This is where a gaming account is taken hostage and held for ransom.
Modern online platforms, especially in the iGaming space, have to protect players from these threats. iGaming platforms require players to fill in details such as financial information to give them access to thousands of games, fast payouts supported by a variety of payment methods, and generous bonuses (source: https://casinobeats.com/online-casinos/). While many platforms, including iGaming platforms, already have built-in security features like SSL encryption, many platforms are turning to biometric authentication for an extra level of protection.
Biometric Authentication Explained
In simple terms, biometric authentication is the use of unique physical identifiers that can be used to authenticate a user’s identity. Biometric identifiers can take many forms, including fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. Biometrics differs from traditional security measures in that it is more difficult to replicate authentication methods. Passwords and pins can be guessed or hacked, but biometric identifiers like fingerprints or facial patterns are unique to users. The nature of biometrics and the uniqueness of authentication factors reduce the risks of account breaches or fraudulent activity.
Common Types of Biometric Authentication:
- Fingerprint Scanning: This form of authentication requires a user to scan in one or multiple unique fingerprints using a biometric fingerprint scanner. The scanner will detect the unique patterns or ridges on the user’s fingers and store them as the authenticator.
- Facial Recognition: Using a camera, this form of authentication scans facial patterns and unique facial features to create a “faceprint”, which will be used to log users in.
- Iris or Retina Scanning: Similar to facial recognition, a camera is used to scan the unique patterns of a user’s iris or retina. This unique pattern is then stored as the biometric authentication information.
- Voice Recognition: Using an array of microphones, the user’s voice is scanned for unique vocal inflexions that are then used to sign the user in.
- Behavioural Biometrics: A less common form of biometric identification, this method analyses patterns in users’ typing and mouse movements to authenticate identity.
Benefits of Biometric Authentication in Online Gaming
Biometric authentication in the gaming sector offers players many advantages over traditional security and authentication methods. One of the biggest advantages is enhanced account security. The prerequisite of a biometric identifier makes it harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access to players’ accounts.
Biometric logins also streamline the login process. By using a biometric authenticator, players no longer have to remember long and complex passwords or pins. Logins are done using a quick finger scan or facial recognition. This results in faster logins, improving the user experience.
Many modern gaming platforms, particularly iGaming platforms, have started integrating biometric identification for the following reasons:
- Enhanced Security
- Streamlined Authentication
- Fraud Prevention
- Regulatory Compliance
How Biometric Authentication Works in Practice
Biometric authentication is seldom used on its own. It is often used in conjunction with various traditional authentication methods, such as password or PIN protection. The combination of biometric authentication and a traditional authentication method provides increased security through two-factor authentication.
During sign-up, players are required to secure their accounts using either a password or a PIN and a biometric identifier. This information is then encrypted and stored in a secure database. To ensure extra protection, many platforms are using blockchain technology for this process due to its immutable and transparent nature. Once the biometric template is complete, users only require their biometric identifier to log in. This means either scanning a fingerprint or using voice recognition.
In the event of suspected fraudulent activity, the platform will often use two-factor authentication to confirm the identification of the player. Further protections, such as one-time pins and security questions, can also be used alongside biometric authentication.
Impact of Player Trust and Safety
In a world of increasing cyber threats, biometric authentication can help boost player confidence and trust in platforms. Players are more likely to engage fully with a platform when they know their data and accounts are safe. By introducing biometric authentication, platforms are reducing the risk of cyber threats. The effect of this is increased player safety and trust. This increases a player’s overall experience by removing the need for them to think about security threats.
Challenges and Considerations
While there are many advantages for platforms to use biometric authentication, there are also many challenges. Privacy concerns remain the number one consideration. Many sceptics of biometric authentication have criticised the storage of biometric data, stating that it makes users uneasy.
Accessibility is another major consideration. Not all players have devices that support biometric methods. For these players, platforms must continue to rely on traditional authentication methods. Additional authentication is still also required for multiple-factor authentication, and in the absence of biometric authenticators, platforms must implement security questions are other secure methods to authenticate a player’s identity.
Conclusion
Biometric authentication is transforming the security of online gaming. Using biometric identifiers to verify players when they log in makes access more secure, convenient, and efficient. From fingerprint scans to facial recognition, this technology offers strong protection against cyber threats, especially when paired with traditional methods. iGaming platforms already show their benefits, including increased player trust, and as the technology advances, it is set to become a key security feature that players actively expect.