As facial recognition software becomes increasingly popular, cyber security experts are beginning to question its safety. Could this technology pose a risk for businesses and personal safety? There is no doubt that facial recognition can be a powerful tool, but it also has the potential to be abused. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at facial recognition software and discuss the potential cyber security risks associated with it.
facial recognition technology has been around for a while, but it is only recently that it has begun to be used on a large scale. This technology allows computers to identify individuals by their facial features. Facial recognition software is often used for security purposes, such as identifying criminals or detecting fraud. However, this technology can also be used for more sinister purposes, such as unofficial and unlawful facial recognition databases.
Facial recognition databases are a collection of images and facial data that can be used to identify individuals. These databases are often created by government agencies or private companies, but unlicensed facial recognition software may also generate their own databases. facial recognition software is then used to search these databases for matches. This means that your facial data could be stored in a database without your knowledge or consent.
There are several potential risks associated with facial recognition technology however we have condensed the worries you may have into three easily digestible sections:
Identity theft
First, there is the risk of identity theft. If your facial data is stolen, it could be used to impersonate you online or in person. Which could lead to may less than ideal situations such as using your face as a “deepfake” and making it seem as if you said or did something unprofessional or illegal.
Also, impersonation online is a significant risk if your facial data is stolen and could be linked to fraud artists which since your face was used could result in legal action against you.
Unwarranted surveillance
Second, there is the risk of surveillance. If your facial data is collected and stored without your consent, it could be used to track your movements and activities. This could have a serious impact on your privacy and personal safety as well as inflicting unwarranted paranoia due to this software becoming widespread.
Being able to track your location, movements and even facial expressions through a camera feels very Orwellian however things are moving fast in this technological sector and while the benefits are indeed there the negatives are mounting.
property/technology access
thirdly the risk of property/technology access is a significant risk. With most phones having the option of face unlock there are terabytes upon terabytes of facial recognition data sitting in servers across the globe from almost everyone’s phone.
If there was a data leak at one of these servers the results could prove catastrophic if the users also use facial recognition access for their workplace, confidential information or even homes!
facial recognition technology is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil purposes. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this technology before using it. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself at risk. Do you think facial recognition software poses a cyber security risk?
