CardLab’s biometric system enhances online security by eliminating traditional passwords, allowing secure access through unique fingerprint verification, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and account takeover.
In an age of escalating cyber threats, traditional authentication methods such as passwords and pins are becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Recent cases of engineer password database theft highlight the risks associated with password-based authentication. Meanwhile, data breaches reporting shows an astounding 312% increase in annual data breaches incidents that could have been prevented with stronger security measures.
CardLab’s biometric and authentication as a service provide cutting-edge solutions to ensure secure access control while reducing the risks associated with centralized password storage, phishing attacks, and stolen credentials. In this article, we investigate one real use case that shows how CardLab’s “authentication as a service” solution based on biometric cards can prevent data breach or account hacking.
Understanding the security gap
Traditional approaches to digital security rely on passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), and centralized credential storage. However, this method has its own weaknesses.
Passwords are weak or reused – Many users rely on simple, repetitive passwords, making it easier to target brute force or entitlement stacking attacks. Phishing and Social Engineering – Attackers trick users into revealing their credentials and bypass traditional security barriers. Centralized Credential Repository – Even password managers can provide openings to enable attackers to access encrypted vaults or backup files, while providing enhanced security. SIM Swap and OTP Bypass – SMS-based 2FA, and even app-based authentication, can be intercepted and avoided through social engineering or malware attacks.
Solution? Full offline biometric user verification with offline user-controlled verification devices that are independent of stored passwords and centrally stored biometric data. Furthermore, tokenization of user IDs, once verified, ensures that personal data cannot be extracted from “men in a middling attack” or lost or employee accidentally releasing a set of passwords. Static passwords no longer exist in CardLab Setup, and you cannot lose or copy anything that does not exist.
CardLab’s biometric authentication system and how cards work
CardLab’s biometric authentication based on CardLab’s biometric smart cards is designed to provide high-security user verification for both physical and logical access. The user’s ID is validated offline against fingerprints that are firmly stored on the card itself and does not send biometric data over the network. Once the user is verified, the card creates a token for online use. The token is used in the backend validation process before granting access to the desired application. This decentralized approach with offline user verification and tokenization ensures maximum security and privacy.
Sensors on the card are fingerprint-induced and provide a robust solution to data that violates the problem through biometric authentication. By utilizing a unique fingerprint pattern, sensors can make sensitive information only accessible to certified individuals, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Unlike traditional passwords that can be easily shared or stolen, biometric data is unique to each individual and cannot be replicated or transferred. This non-transferability adds an extra layer of security, making it much more difficult for malicious actors to access protected systems. Additionally, the sensor’s advanced encryption technology further protects user data and ensures that it remains protected at all times. With fast and reliable performance, fingerprint sensors not only enhance security, but also improve ease of use, allowing convenient and secure access to physical and digital systems.
use
Here’s how to use your CardLab card to prevent account hacking or data breach:
User registration and setup
o Users register their fingerprints directly on the card via the fingerprint sensor on the card.
o Biometric data is stored securely in the card’s secure memory and cannot be extracted or cloned.
The o-card does not require an internet connection to register, eliminating exposure to remote hacking attempts and side-channel attacks at this potentially vulnerable stage.
Protects card user verification
oWhen accessing online services (such as cloud storage, corporate intranets, banking portals, etc.), users will present their cards to compatible NFC or Bluetooth readers.
oThe system encourages users to place their fingers on the fingerprint sensor of the card.
oIf the fingerprint matches the saved template, the card internally checks the user’s identity.
oThis step occurs offline and prevents biometric data from leaving the card.
Backend Authentication
When the card validates the user, it generates a token/crypto signature specific to the authentication request.
o This signature is sent to the service provider for backend authentication and completes a secure passwordless login.
oConnecting with the authentication server requires a connection at this stage. Connections can be used by contact tip, NFC, BLE, or manual using the information displayed on the Defender Card display.
o CardLab’s QuardLock BackEnd is available to provide this authentication as a service.
Vulnerable Password-Based Replacement
Authentication is a key factor in increasing data security, and CardLab verification and authentication solutions achieve the following benefits:
o Users no longer need to remember or enter passwords.
oEven if an attacker steals a user’s laptop or smartphone, he will not be able to log in without a card and a correct fingerprint.
o Unlike a password manager that stores and automates credentials, the card itself acts as the only validation mechanism.
o Users always have a login device. Spying and security concerns often limit or prohibit the use of your smartphone.
Physical Access and Multipurpose Security
o-cards can also be used to build access controls to ensure that only certified personnel enter the restricted area.
o The same verification mechanism is applied, requiring both physical cards and biometric authentication for input.
o Organizations can integrate cards into existing access control systems without additional infrastructure changes.
Protection against phishing and qualification theft
o Unlike traditional authentication methods that rely on user input, biometric cards do not expose their credentials to phishing attempts, as they operate completely offline during user verification.
o If an attacker tricks the user into visiting a fake login page, the card will not send reusable credentials. All logins must accept new tokens.
o Authentication is encrypted to the service, so attackers cannot intercept or replay login data. Even if it is possible, it is not worth it because it is tokenized data that cannot be reused.
Decentralized Security and Data Privacy
o Biometric data is not stored on an external server or sent during verification, so there is no reduction in critical biometric data associated with exposure to mass data breaches and loss of credentials.
The o-card works independently of cloud-based authentication services and prevents unauthorized access even if the back-end system is compromised.
o Unlike SIM-based authentication, you cannot hijack a card with SIM swap fraud.
Use Case: Preventing Enterprise Data Breaches
Imagine a multinational company, healthcare platform, governmental agency/agency, law firm, bank or similar company that manages sensitive customer/client information, their own research, the operation of critical infrastructure, and more. These actors previously relied on password-based logins and SMS-based 2FAs, but faced increased phishing attempts and qualified tefts.
Before implementing CardLab’s biometric card:
Employees typically reused their passwords across multiple accounts. In a recent published phishing attack, employees successfully revealed their login credentials, allowing the attacker to unauthorized access to sensitive files or inject malware. Despite having an OTP-based 2FA system, the attacker ran a SIM swap attack and bypassed SMS authentication.
This organization implemented CardLab’s biometric authentication solution.
Employees were able to verify their identity using biometric cards with fingerprints accumulated, making their passwords dynamic and saving the costs of password maintenance. Even if an attacker obtains employee login credentials, the account cannot be accessed without a biometric card. Authentication is tied to encrypted certificates generated by the card, so phishing attacks are ineffective. Organizations significantly reduce security breaches and improve regulatory compliance. Organizations can combine the requirements for tokenized logins and tokenized validation of users before enabling encryption for data or computer systems. This blocks malware and ransomware attacks.
Conclusion: The future of secure verification and authentication
While cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, CardLab’s Access and Defender Series biometric smart cards offer future defense authentication solutions by eliminating the risks associated with passwords and central credential storage. By ensuring that user verification occurs completely offline on the card, authentication is secured on the backend, allowing users and organizations to gain enhanced security, convenience and privacy, increasingly saving IT costs in the digital world.
With widespread adoption, biometric smart cards can effectively eliminate data breaches and account hacking and acquisitions, providing a very secure alternative to traditional authentication methods. For businesses, governments, and individuals, CardLab’s solutions represent the next step in secure verification of identity, ensuring only legitimate owners have access to critical systems and sensitive data.
reference
https://www.databreachtoday.com/312-surge-in-breach-notices-Is it have-have-been-prevented-a-27397? rf = 2025-01-30_enews_acq_dbt__slot1_art27397 &mkt_tok = mduxlvpysss0ymzcaaagyv0bfsckdagmogmj160cjsmfg6xgtrsztboh13nmzmm d-3vuyf4jxxb2v7rwfs7_1qyzlzwylxpxbxog9dtsjl-msfrawpblmcdzos874zx_zarq2q https://www.zdnet.com/article/hackers-stole-this-enginers-1password-database-could-it-you/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_12746109
This article will also be featured in the 22nd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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