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1. Introduction
Would you trust your home key to a stranger? Now think your biometric data (your fingerprint, your face or iris of your eyes) is like this key. Unlike a password, which can be changed, this information is unique and permanent. And if they are committed, there is no way to change them .
This threat is no longer a distant risk, but a growing reality. According to a report by the Cyber Government Prevention, Treatment and Response Center (CTIR GOV) , Brazil recorded more than 4,000 data leaks by 2024, a significant increase over 906 cases of 2023 . Among these data, biometric information is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, selling fingerprints, facial and iris standards in the clandestine market.
No wonder, 60% of Brazilians show fear of providing their biometric data, especially for banks and government agencies , according to research by the Internet Management Committee in Brazil (CGI.br) . And this fear is justifiable: unlike a credit card, you cannot simply cancel your biometrics and generate a new one.
But why is this data so coveted ? How do clandestine markets that explore them? And, more importantly, how can we protect our digital identity in this scenario?
Throughout this article, we will explore the invisible risks of marketing biometric data, how criminals use this information and the best strategies to ensure their digital security.
Good reading!
2. Biometric data: Why are you so valuable?
In an increasingly digital world, biometrics has become a key piece in data security and identity. Its popularization has happened because biometric data offer a much higher level of protection than traditional passwords. But this same exclusivity that makes them so efficient cybercriminous
targets Today, governments, banks and technology companies depend on biometrics . At the same time, the clandestine market that markets this information grows rapidly. And there is a reason for this: biometric data cannot be replaced , making it even more valuable for those seeking to defraud authentication systems.
But after all, why are this data considered “digital passwords”? And what happens if they are committed? Let's understand below.
2.1. “Digital passwords”: What are they?
Unlike numerical codes and alphanumeric passwords, which can be redefined if leaked, biometric data are unique and permanent characteristics of our body . This means that they work as digital access keys -you can't forget them, but you can't change them if they are compromised.
This authentication method is widely used in:
- Banks and fintechs , for login login and authorization;
- Smartphones and electronic devices such as digital unlocking or facial recognition;
- Physical access control in companies, airports and sensitive facilities.
The promise of this model is to ensure more security and convenience, but its immutability also poses a critical risk .
2.2. The risk of immutability and biometric cloning
If a password leaks, just change it. But what if your biometrics are compromised?
Thus, the biggest challenge of biometric authentication is precisely in immutability. When data such as your iris or fingerprint is cloned, they can be used for fraud, digital spy and even unauthorized monitoring .
Reports indicate that cybercriminals can already replicate fingerprints from high resolution photos. In addition, deepfake are also evolving rapidly , allowing criminals to burle face recognition systems to access bank accounts and personal information.
This means that, without advanced protective measures , this technology that should be an extra layer of safety can become an irreversible vulnerability.
The adoption of biometrics has expanded rapidly in recent years as a security solution , but this breakthrough has brought with it a new challenge : what happens when this data falls into the wrong hands?
In the next section, we explored as criminals capture and market biometric data in the clandestine market.
3. The clandestine market of biometrics and their dangers
Biometric data is presented as an innovative and safe solution for digital authentication. However, its popularization brought with it a problem : the criminal exploitation of this information. Unlike conventional passwords, which can be exchanged if leaked, biometric data is permanent . This means that once committed, there is no way to replace them, making them highly valuable actives for digital criminals.
In recent years, a structured clandestine market has emerged in the Dark Web , where fingerprints, facial standards and iris scan are stolen, negotiated and used for fraud. This illicit trade not only exposes individuals to financial blows and identity theft, but also represents risks to companies and even governments , which can have their systems invaded and their citizens monitored without consent.
How are this data obtained? Who buys them? What are the implications of this illegal market for society? That's what we will see below.
3.1. How criminals obtain and market this data
Biometric data cannot be stolen in the same way as passwords or common bank information. As they are unique and unalterable characteristics of the human body, criminals need more sophisticated methods to obtain and explore them. The main attack vectors include massive leaks from databases, social engineering, malware and the evolution of Spoofing deepfakes and techniques .
Database leaks are currently the main gateway to the clandestine biometrics market. Companies and public institutions that store millions of biometric records become targets of hacker , which invade systems and steal information from clients and citizens. In the international scenario , the case of Suprema, a security company that stored biometric access to protected systems, exemplifies the impact of these attacks. In a single leak, 27.8 million biometric records were compromised .
Another effective method for stealing biometrics is social engineering . In this type of scam, victims are induced to voluntarily provide their data without realizing that they are being deceived . Fraudulent applications, emails and even social networking filters can be used to capture facial or digital patterns of unsuspecting users. Cybercriminals also exploit the popularization of facial recognition to deceive people with blows that request “identity check” on behalf of online .
With the advancement of Deepfakes and spoofing , the falsification of identity has become even more sophisticated. Advanced techniques allow the recreation of faces and voices , allowing criminals to pass by other people and deceive security systems. According to an article in the newspaper El País , cases of unprecedented pornography using deepfakes fold every six months, and the fraud related to this technology increased ten times between 2022 and 2023 . These advances represent a considerable challenge for security systems that depend on biometric authentication.
Once obtained, this data is sold at Dark Web . The value of stolen biometrics varies according to the amount and quality of leaked information. In marketplaces , criminals can buy fingerprints cloned for values between $ 5 and $ 100 , while complete biometric profiles (including face, iris and digital) can be purchased for up to $ 500 . These data are then used for bank fraud, account invasions, creation of fake identities and even for espionage operations.
3.2. Risks for individuals, companies and governments
The illegal marketing of biometric data does not only affect victims whose information has been stolen: their impacts extend to companies and even to governments. Damage can be irreversible and generate financial losses, reputational losses and even commitment to national security .
For individuals, biometrics theft means perpetual vulnerability , allowing criminals to use this data for years. For companies, the impact is equally severe: biometric data leaks can result in millionaire fines, legal proceedings and loss of credibility . When customers find that their data were compromised due to failures in company security, confidence in the brand is strongly shaken.
In the case of governments, the vulnerability of biometric bases may compromise national security. If malicious criminals or groups obtain access to state databases, precedents can be opened for massive fraud in official documents, identity usurpation and even governmental spy.
3.3. Mass Monitoring and Violated Privacy
In many countries, facial recognition systems and behavioral analysis are being implemented without transparency , allowing governments and corporations to monitor the population without their explicit consent.
Lack of proper regulation allows companies to collect and store biometrics from users without clear criteria. A study of Privacy International has revealed that several large companies use biometric data for consumer behavior analysis without being full of this. In the United States, cases of misuse of facial recognition for access control at stores and events have raised questions about who has the right to capture and store such sensitive information.
In addition, there are risks associated with prolonged storage of this information. As we have seen, unlike bank data or email , biometric data cannot be changed if a system is compromised. This means that if a government or corporate database is “hacked” , millions of people can be permanently vulnerable.
On the other hand, the discussion about biometric surveillance is not limited to public safety. Massive data collection can be used for behavioral profiles, influencing decisions such as credit granting, job opportunities and even political monitoring . The absence of clear rules opens a dangerous precedent, transforming biometrics into a social control tool rather than a security mechanism.
Thus, the question is: to what extent does the adoption of security for security justify the loss of privacy?
3.4. Regulations and penalties (GDPR, LGPD, CCPA)
Given the increasing risks involving the collection and misuse of biometrics, different legislation around the world try to impose more rigid guidelines to prevent abuse . However, the application of these rules still faces challenges, especially in the face of the advancement of falsification technologies and the lack of global standardization.
The European Union , through GDPR ( General Data Protection Regularity , General Data Protection Regulations), states that biometric data is sensitive personal information . This means that companies and governments can only collect biometrics if there is a legitimate justification and explicit consent of the user. Failure can result in fines of up to 4% of the company's annual global revenue or € 20 million (whatever). Several corporations have already been penalized for faults in the protection of biometrics, reinforcing the importance of compliance.
In Brazil , LGPD (General Data Protection Law) follows principles similar to those of GDPR, requiring transparency in the collection, storage and sharing of biometric data. However, its supervision is still a challenge , and cases of biometrics leaks do not always result in severe penalties, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the law in practice.
In the United States California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA ) gives California consumer privacy law gives consumers of the state the right to know which biometric data are being collected by companies and requesting their exclusion . In addition, the law imposes restrictions on sharing this information without explicit authorization. The problem, however, is that CCPA applies only to California , leaving millions of Americans without robust federal law to protect their biometric data.
Even with these regulations, the protection of biometrics still faces considerable challenges. The main obstacles include:
- Difficulty of inspection : Many biometric leaks occur in clandestine networks, making it difficult to hold criminals;
- Lack of global standardization : multinational companies need to deal with different legislation around the world, making it difficult to apply unified data protection policies;
- Evolution of biometric forgery techniques : technologies such as Deepfake and Spoofing advance faster than laws can follow, leaving loopholes for increasingly sophisticated fraud.
Given this scenario, it is evident that the regulations alone are not enough. Thus, the adoption of good digital protection practices and advanced safety technologies are essential to containing risks and preventing these data from being explored by criminals.
In the next section, we will explore the main strategies to protect biometric data, from consent and encryption to business solutions to reinforce safety. Keep following!
4. Good practices to protect your biometric data
The growing digitization of social and commercial interactions has boosted the use of biometric data for authentication, safety and identification. However, the protection of this information is still a challenge.
Next, we address the main good practices to protect biometric data, considering regulatory, technological and strategic aspects.
4.1. Consent and transparency in collection
Biometry safety begins even before storage. Companies and organizations need to adopt clear consent and transparency policies, ensuring that the user understands exactly how their data is being collected, stored and used.
Check out good practices for safe biometrics collection:
- Informed and explicit consent : People must be clearly notified of the purpose of the collection and should actively authorize the use of their data;
- Specific purpose : Biometric data should be collected only for clearly defined purposes, and the user needs to know exactly why and how their information will be used;
- RIGHT OF REPEAL AND EXCLUSION : Users must have the right to request the removal of their biometric data from a system if they no longer wish to use it;
- Prohibition of improper sharing : Biometric data cannot be reused for other purposes or sold to third parties without explicit authorization from the user.
To have a practical example, in 2019, Clearview AI was processed by collecting facial images of internet users without consent to create a facial recognition database used by police agencies and private companies . This case generated global concerns about the indiscriminate use of biometrics and resulted in various lawsuits.
4.2. Importance of robust encryption
Even if an organization follows good biometrics collection practices, if this data is not stored and safely transmitted , the risk of leakage remains high.
The main biometric protection encryption technologies include:
- End -to -end encryption : ensures that biometric data remain protected in both storage and transmission;
- “Tokenization” : Replaces sensitive information with unique identifiers that cannot be reversed to original information;
- Homomorphic encryption : Allows you to process biometric data without having to decrypt it, reducing safety breaches;
- Edge Computing : Divide data between different servers to minimize damage in case of invasion.
Another practical example: by 2024, the Civil Police investigated a possible attack on facial recognition systems in condominiums in the interior of São Paulo , where data from residents, including facial images, may have been exposed. The incident emphasizes the need for robust safety measures such as encryption to protect biometric data.
4.3. More recommendations from biometric security experts
Biometric security requires a structured approach that combines governance strategies, advanced technology and regulatory compliance. Global consultancies and cyber security experts such as PWC , Deloitte , Accenture and KPMG highlight good practices to minimize risk and ensure biometric data protection.
Next, we present the most relevant of these experts:
- Risk mapping and management:
- Before implementing security measures, it is essential to understand where and how biometric data is stored and processed;
- Create a detailed inventory of biometric data within the organization;
- Evaluate which system points represent risks and need mitigation;
- Set restricted access protocols, ensuring that only authorized users manipulate this data.
- Governance and compliance policies:
- Companies must ensure that their biometric security practices are aligned with national and international regulations;
- Establish clear internal guidelines on the collection, storage and use of biometric data;
- Ensure compliance with laws such as LGPD, GDPR and CCPA;
- Perform periodic audits to verify compliance with the rules and avoid penalties.
- Biometric Safety Technologies:
- As we have seen, it is important to implement end -to -end encryption and tokenization use;
- Adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (Machine Learning) to detect suspicious patterns and fraud;
- Apply multifactorial authentication (MFA, in English, multi-factor authentication ), combining biometrics with other safety factors.
- Continuous monitoring and fast response to incidents:
- Even with preventive measures, safety incidents can happen. Monitoring and structured response plans are essential;
- Implement real -time detection systems, identifying suspicious activities;
- Create an incident response plan, ensuring an agile reaction in case of data leakage;
- Perform regular tests and simulations, preparing the team to quickly respond to attacks.
- Education and awareness:
- Human error remains one of the main vectors of data leakage. Companies should invest in the training of their employees;
- Train internal teams and partners on good biometric protection practices;
- Create awareness campaigns, reinforcing the importance of digital security;
- Apply social engineering tests by identifying vulnerabilities before they are explored.
Companies that follow these practices not only protect their users, but also guarantee regulatory compliance, market confidence and resilience against cyber threats.
4.4. Companies and Solutions on the Line of Defense
The growing concern for biometric data security requires organizations to implement advanced solutions to protect this information from cyber threats. Several specialized companies offer technologies that ensure depth defense, robust encryption and continuous monitoring, minimizing the risk of attacks and leaks.
Among the leading players cyber security market Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks stand out for their solutions that protect critical networks, data and infrastructures against increasingly sophisticated threats. Check out more details about what each of these companies offer.
- Fortinet - Integrated security for complex environments:
- Its Firewall (NGFW, Next-Gegeration Firewall ) called Fortigate provides advanced traffic inspection, blocking threats before sensitive systems such as biometric databases;
- Its solutions are widely used in critical sectors, such as finance, health and governments, due to their ability to integrate safety and high performance;
- With artificial intelligence technologies and predictive analysis, the company provides proactive protection against malware , ransomware and targeted attacks.
- Palo Alto Networks - Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Protection:
- firewall line uses advanced technologies to identify, analyze and neutralize real -time threats;
- The company adopts the zero Trust , essential for environments that deal with sensitive biometric data, as it limits unauthorized accesses and reinforces safety at multiple levels;
- In addition to the firewalls , Palo Alto offers Secure Access Service EDGE SASE, safe from safe access service), an approach that combines cloud protection with continuous threat analysis of threats, ideal for companies working with biometrics on distributed platforms.
The growing sophistication of cyber threats requires biometric safety to go beyond conventional protection . Companies such as those mentioned play a key role in providing advanced safety solutions to protect networks, critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
However, biometric data protection not only depend on firewalls and network monitoring: it also requires innovative approaches , which combine anonymization techniques, improved authentication and mathematical modeling to reduce risk and ensure privacy.
Next, let's understand what these advanced technological solutions , which help protect biometric information without compromising their effectiveness and reliability .
5. Technological solutions for biometric security
Biometric data protection requires advanced solutions to ensure privacy, accuracy and fraud resistance . Given this need, several technologies have been developed to minimize vulnerabilities and reinforce the safety of biometric authentication. Next, we highlight some of the most relevant:
- Fuzzy Matching - Minimizes counterfeits :
- Allows flexible comparison between biometric data, reducing false positive and negative;
- Improves the accuracy of facial and digital recognition, adapting to small natural variations of users;
- It makes it difficult attempts to falsification by requiring more consistent standards for authentication.
- Differential Privacy - Protects without compromising individual information :
- Inserts mathematical noise in biometric data, preventing the extraction of specific personal information;
- Enables the safe use of biometric databases without exposing the identity of individuals;
- It meets privacy standards such as LGPD, GDPR and CCPA, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Liveness Detection - real -time fraud identification :
- Uses I was going to detect signs of life, blocking authentication attempts with photos, videos or deepfakes ;
- It analyzes involuntary movements such as skin texture, light reflection in the eyes and microexpressions;
- Essential for facial recognition systems and digital printing more resistant to attacks.
- Zero Trust architecture - access based on multiple checks :
- Follows the principle of “never trusting, always checking”, requiring continuous authentications in each access;
- Reduces internal risks, ensuring that no user or device has unrestricted access to biometric systems;
- Integrates multiple layers of safety, such as multifactorial authentication and constant monitoring.
These solutions play a very important role in strengthening biometric security, ensuring that sensitive data remain protected against improper fraud and access.
6. Skyone: Biometric safety in the cloud
At Skyone , we understand the importance of protecting biometric data in an increasingly challenging digital scenario. Therefore, we offer integrated solutions that combine robust security and practicality , ensuring the integrity of our customers' information.
Our main services include:
- Migration and Safe Cloud Management : We facilitate the transition and management of their systems to the cloud, ensuring that biometric data are protected through safe and scalable infrastructures;
- Unified Authentication (SSO, Single Sign-On ) : We implemented SSO solutions that allow users to access multiple platforms with a single credential, simplifying access and reinforcing safety against unauthorized accesses;
- Advanced Cryptography and Custom Backup : We use end -to -end encryption techniques to protect data during transmission and storage. In addition, we offer backup , ensuring efficient information recovery in case of incidents;
- Continuous monitoring and incident response : Our real -time monitoring tools detect suspicious activities, allowing rapid responses and mitigation of possible threats to biometric data.
We are committed to providing solutions to our customers who not only meet current security needs, but also adapt to future technological demands. Our proactive approach ensures that your biometric data are always protected against emerging threats.
If you seek to strengthen the security of your biometric data and want to implement effective cloud solutions, contact us ! Skyone team is ready to understand your specific needs and offer the best strategies to protect your information.
7. Conclusion
Biometrics has revolutionized digital security, offering practicality and reliability in identification. However, as we explore in this article, these advances also bring significant risks , especially when biometric data are targeted by illegal cloning, cloning and marketing.
The growth of the clandestine biometric market highlights the urgency of robust protection measures for companies and individuals . Governments and organizations should reinforce their security policies, adopting advanced technologies, encryption, multifactorial authentication and continuous monitoring. Regulations such as LGPD, GDPR and CCPA are essential, but need to be accompanied by effective governance and compliance (compliance).
Therefore, biometric security is not an isolated challenge. It is necessary to invest in cloud solutions that ensure scalable and intelligent protection , combining safe infrastructure, advanced encryption and active monitoring against cyber threats.
Caco Alcoba
with vast experience in cybersecurity, Caco Alcoba is a true guardian of the digital world. In Skyone's “Caco do Caco column”, he shares sharp cyber threats, data protection and strategies to maintain constantly evolving digital environment.
Connect with Caco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caco-alcoba/
