Encrypting Data In A Heartbeat

Scientists from Binghamton say that keys for encrypting and storing data could be done in a heartbeat – literally. Researchers believe that systems can be created to replace encryption keys with an ECG measurement that is unique to each person to secure an individual’s data. Robert Capps, VP of Business Development at NuData Security commented below.

Robert Capps, VP of Business Development at NuData Security:

 “As more business move online, it’s gravely important for us to look for new and stronger methods to positively identify consumers, online. The use of bioinformatics for online human identification (such as heart rate, or body temperature, oxygen saturation, etc.) is a promising area of study,  that would provide a unique way of strongly identifying individuals while reducing the opportunities for online criminals to impersonate a legitimate user.  As with all data collected and compiled on individual consumers, there is a risk of theft and misuse. This is especially important when we are dealing with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a US law that set data privacy and security standards for safeguarding medical information) protected data such as health diagnostics information. These types of solutions along with physical biometrics will have a place in strengthening online consumer identification as part of a multifactor response. In addition to these solutions, passive behavioral biometric technologies currently exist that are used to uniquely identify users. These behaviors are passively collected and dynamically analyzed. This behavioral information has extremely limited shelf life of usefulness – making theft and successful reuse of raw behavioral signals nearly impossible.”