Biometric Authentication

A security method that verifies a person's identity using unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, or voice. For people with vision impairments, biometric authentication — particularly fingerprint recognition — is widely preferred over knowledge-based methods like PINs and passwords because it does not require visual interaction with a screen, memorization of complex strings, or audible input that could be overheard. Research with 325 visually impaired users found that 73% use fingerprints as their primary authentication method, and fingerprints were rated both the most secure and most accessible option. However, biometric methods have accessibility limitations: iris and retina scans can be problematic for people with deformed or missing eyes, facial recognition requires precise positioning, and fingerprint scanners may reject wet, dry, or cold fingers. Biometrics also cannot fully replace passwords since PINs remain required as fallback authentication.