In recent years, biometric authentication methods like Face ID have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional passwords. Face ID, introduced by Apple in 2017, allows users to unlock their iPhone or iPad Pro by simply looking at the device. But is this facial recognition system truly more secure than relying on passwords alone? Here, we’ll examine the pros and cons of Face ID versus passwords when it comes to security.
How Face ID Works
Face ID uses advanced technology to map and recognize a user’s facial features. The TrueDepth camera system on supported Apple devices projects over 30,000 invisible dots onto the user’s face to build a detailed 3D map. This depth map contains distinct features like the curves of the eyes, nose, and lips. Face ID stores this facial map locally on the device’s secure enclave chip.
When a user tries to unlock their device, Face ID uses the front-facing camera to capture a new depth map of their face. Sophisticated algorithms compare this live capture to the stored facial map. If there is a match, the device unlocks. The odds of a random person being able to fool Face ID are estimated to be about 1 in 1,000,000 versus 1 in 50,000 for Touch ID fingerprint authentication.
Face ID Advantages
Compared to passwords, Face ID offers some clear security benefits:
- Harder for hackers to gain access – Facial biometrics are unique to each user and can’t be guessed or copied easily. Passwords can be brute forced, phished, or guessed based on info about the user.
- Nothing to memorize – Users don’t have to create and remember secure passwords that meet complexity requirements.
- Automatic authentication – Face ID works passively in the background once set up, unlike passwords which need manual input each time.
- Harder to spoof – While photos or masks might fool some facial recognition, Face ID relies on depth and infrared imaging to confirm a live face.
For most users, Face ID eliminates the security risks associated with weak, reused, or shared passwords. Its convenience also encourages regular device locking. Overall, Face ID makes unauthorized access to devices much less likely for the average person.
Face ID Disadvantages
However, Face ID is not perfect when it comes to security and does have some disadvantages compared to passwords:
- Spoofing possible with effort – Researchers have shown that custom 3D masks can trick the Face ID sensor, though this is difficult to execute.
- Physical security risks – Someone can point a user’s face at the device to unlock it if in possession of the device.
- No easy revocation – There’s no simple way to instantly revoke access remotely like you can with password resets.
- False matches possible – While unlikely, Face ID could falsely match another similar looking person.
Face ID also does not protect the contents of devices when they are unlocked and in use. And if the device falls into the wrong hands, biometric spoof attacks become possible.
Passwords Provide Some Unique Security Benefits
While cumbersome, old-fashioned passwords still provide some security advantages over biometrics:
- Can be changed easily – Passwords can be reset or changed if compromised, while facial biometrics are inherent.
- No physical security risk – Possession of the device doesn’t allow unauthorized unlocking. Knowledge of the password is still needed.
- Backup authentication option – If Face ID fails, a password can serve as a reliable backup method to regain access.
- Can be made very complex – Cryptographically strong random passwords are practically impossible to crack through brute force.
For the highest security use cases like encryption keys, passwords may be preferred over biometrics like Face ID. Passwords also avoid the privacy concerns that come with storing and using biometric data.
Face ID Security Compared to Passwords
| Security Criteria | Face ID | Passwords |
|---|---|---|
| Resilient against brute force attacks | Very strong | Weak to moderate |
| Resilient against phishing | Very strong | Weak |
| Convenience for user | Very high | Low |
| Resilient against physical observation | Weak | Very strong |
| Ability to revoke access | Weak | Very strong |
| Resilient against spoofing when stolen | Moderate | Very strong |
This comparison shows that both Face ID and passwords have security strengths and weaknesses. Overall, Face ID provides markedly better security for the average user against remote attacks like brute force attempts and phishing. But passwords maintain some advantages when the physical device is compromised. The ideal scenario may be to require both Face ID and a password for unlocking devices and sensitive data.
Conclusion
Face ID delivers significant security and convenience benefits for the majority of everyday users compared to password authentication alone. Its facial map data is highly difficult for hackers to spoof or steal remotely. And users find biometrics like Face ID much easier and more natural to use than remembering and typing complex passwords.
However, passwords still have value as a second factor of authentication in high security contexts. And they remain an effective backup if the facial recognition fails. Employing both Face ID and strong passwords together provides the best possible security for sensitive data and devices.
For most people, Face ID represents a major upgrade in security from common password practices while also being much more user-friendly. But vigilant password hygiene is still recommended for financial accounts, encryption keys, and other high-value uses to complement Apple’s facial recognition system.