ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is a working draft standard titled “Information technology — Security techniques — Security evaluation of biometrics”. This standard is part of the ISO/IEC 19792 series, which deals with the security evaluation of biometric systems.

Overview of ISO/IEC WD 19792

ISO/IEC WD 19792 focuses on defining methodologies and frameworks for evaluating the security aspects of biometric systems. Biometric systems rely on physiological or behavioral characteristics (such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scanning, or voice patterns) for identity verification, and ensuring their security is crucial in maintaining trust in systems using such technology.

Key Objectives:

Security Evaluation Methodology: The standard outlines a systematic approach for evaluating the security of biometric systems, including potential vulnerabilities, risks, and threats.
Framework for Biometric System Testing: It provides guidelines for the testing and analysis of biometric systems, covering how biometric data is captured, stored, transmitted, and processed.
Mitigation of Security Risks: The standard is designed to help identify and mitigate security risks in biometric systems, which could arise from spoofing, unauthorized access, data tampering, or system failures.
Interoperability: It focuses on ensuring the standard’s methodology is interoperable with other security standards and frameworks in information technology, aligning with global cybersecurity practices.

Importance of Security in Biometric Systems:

Data Sensitivity: Biometric data is highly sensitive since it is unique to individuals. Breaches or misuse of biometric data can lead to severe privacy violations.
Identity Theft: Compromised biometric data can be used for identity theft, giving unauthorized users access to sensitive systems or facilities.
Trust and Privacy: Ensuring the security of biometric systems fosters trust in their use for authentication and identity verification, while protecting user privacy.

Scope:

The standard provides guidance for a wide range of biometric systems, which may include:

Fingerprint recognition
Facial recognition
Iris scanning
Voice recognition
Behavioral biometrics (such as typing rhythm or gait)

Application Areas:

Border control and immigration: Biometric systems are increasingly used for identity verification at borders.
Banking and financial services: Biometric authentication is becoming prevalent in mobile banking and secure transaction environments.
Mobile devices: Many smartphones now rely on biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) for security.
Healthcare: Biometric systems are used for patient identification and data security.
Law enforcement: Biometric databases are critical in criminal identification and investigation processes.

Challenges Addressed:

Spoofing and Impersonation: Addressing vulnerabilities where attackers may try to spoof or mimic legitimate biometric data (e.g., using a fake fingerprint).
Biometric Data Storage Security: Ensuring secure storage and protection of biometric templates and raw data.
Transmission Security: Protecting biometric data during transmission, ensuring encryption and secure channels are used.
Performance under Attack: Ensuring that biometric systems maintain accuracy and reliability even when under attack.

Status:

As a working draft (WD), ISO/IEC 19792 is still in the development phase. This means it is subject to change as industry feedback, and further technical analysis are incorporated. Eventually, it will proceed through various stages (committee draft, draft international standard, final draft, etc.) before being published as a full ISO/IEC standard.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 plays a critical role in enhancing the security of biometric systems, a key element in modern identity verification and authentication technologies. By establishing a robust security evaluation framework, it helps organizations and system developers build, test, and maintain more secure biometric systems. This standard is a vital addition to the suite of ISO/IEC standards for information security, providing organizations with a structured approach to evaluating biometric technologies in an era of increasing cyber threats and privacy concerns.

If you need more detailed information or a breakdown of specific sections once the draft progresses, feel free to ask!

What is required ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is a working draft standard that establishes guidelines and requirements for the security evaluation of biometric systems. This standard is designed to ensure that biometric systems are secure against potential vulnerabilities and threats, protecting biometric data and ensuring trust in systems that rely on this sensitive information.

Here’s what is required under the scope of ISO/IEC WD 19792:

1. Comprehensive Risk Analysis

Identify Security Threats: The evaluation process must identify potential threats that can compromise biometric systems, such as spoofing, tampering, or unauthorized access to biometric data.
Assess Risks: Organizations need to assess the risks associated with these threats and their potential impact on the biometric system’s integrity and the confidentiality of the data it processes.

2. Security Requirements Definition

System Security Goals: Define the security goals of the biometric system, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability of biometric data.
Operational Security: Ensure that the system can operate securely in different environments and is resilient to attacks aimed at biometric data collection, transmission, storage, and processing.

3. Biometric Data Protection

Data Encryption: Biometric data, including raw data (e.g., fingerprints, facial images) and processed templates, must be encrypted to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
Template Security: Secure storage of biometric templates is crucial since these cannot be easily changed (unlike passwords) if compromised. The standard requires secure storage mechanisms and robust cryptographic protections.

4. System Security Architecture

Design Security: The biometric system must be designed with security in mind, ensuring that all components (hardware, software, and communication interfaces) are resilient against attacks. This includes tamper-resistant hardware and secure software design.
Authentication Protocols: Robust authentication mechanisms need to be in place to ensure that only authorized users can access and interact with the biometric system.
Access Control: Implement access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized personnel from gaining access to sensitive biometric data or system components.

5. Biometric Data Transmission Security

Secure Communication Channels: Biometric data transmission between devices (e.g., between sensors and servers) must be secured using encryption techniques to prevent interception or tampering.
Integrity Checks: Data integrity checks are required to ensure that biometric data is not altered or corrupted during transmission.

6. Spoofing and Impersonation Protection

Anti-Spoofing Mechanisms: The system must incorporate measures to detect and prevent spoofing attacks, where attackers try to imitate legitimate users (e.g., using fake fingerprints, facial masks, or voice recordings).
Liveness Detection: Advanced biometric systems should have liveness detection to verify that the biometric data comes from a real, living person.

7. Performance Evaluation Under Attack

Resilience Testing: The biometric system should undergo rigorous testing to assess how it performs under different types of attacks (e.g., brute force, replay attacks, spoofing). This ensures the system is resilient and reliable.
Error Rates: The evaluation process must account for biometric performance metrics, such as False Acceptance Rate (FAR), False Rejection Rate (FRR), and Equal Error Rate (EER), under normal conditions and during attacks.

8. Compliance with Privacy Regulations

Data Privacy: The standard requires compliance with data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to ensure that users’ biometric data is handled with care, and privacy is respected.
User Consent and Transparency: Biometric systems should obtain informed consent from users regarding the collection, storage, and use of their biometric data, and provide transparency about how the data is processed.

9. Audit and Monitoring

Security Audits: Regular audits must be performed to evaluate the security of the biometric system, including its infrastructure and data handling procedures.
Logging and Monitoring: The system should include monitoring and logging capabilities to track access and changes to biometric data, enabling the detection of unauthorized activities.

10. Continuous Improvement

Updates and Patch Management: The biometric system’s security should be continuously improved by applying updates and patches to address newly discovered vulnerabilities or emerging threats.
Ongoing Risk Assessments: Organizations need to conduct periodic risk assessments to adapt to evolving security risks and ensure that the biometric system remains secure over time.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 requires a thorough approach to the security evaluation of biometric systems, emphasizing risk management, data protection, robust system architecture, and privacy compliance. Organizations implementing this standard need to address these core security aspects to ensure the safe and secure operation of their biometric systems, protecting against potential vulnerabilities and maintaining the integrity and privacy of biometric data.

If you need more detailed sections or further clarification, feel free to ask!

Who is required ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792: Information Technology — Security Techniques — Security Evaluation of Biometrics is relevant for a broad range of stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and regulation of biometric systems. It is not mandatory for all organizations but is highly beneficial for those concerned with the security of biometric systems. The following entities would be required or benefit from implementing this standard:

1. Biometric System Developers

Technology Companies: Organizations developing biometric hardware (e.g., fingerprint scanners, facial recognition cameras) and software need to comply with ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure their products meet the required security standards.
Software Developers: Companies creating applications or systems that integrate biometric authentication (e.g., mobile apps with fingerprint or face ID login features) would benefit from following this standard for secure system design.

2. Government and Regulatory Bodies

National Security and Border Control Agencies: Governments implementing biometric systems for national security, law enforcement, or border control (e.g., passport control, visa systems) are required to follow such standards to ensure the systems are secure from threats like identity theft, spoofing, and data tampering.
Regulatory Agencies: Agencies responsible for enforcing data privacy laws and security standards will require compliance with ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure that biometric systems comply with national and international security and privacy regulations.

3. Organizations Handling Sensitive Data

Banks and Financial Institutions: Financial institutions using biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition for online banking or ATMs) should adhere to the security practices in this standard to protect sensitive customer information and prevent fraud.
Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and healthcare organizations using biometrics for patient identification or medical record security must ensure their systems meet stringent security standards to protect patients’ sensitive information.

4. Critical Infrastructure Providers

Telecommunications: Telecom companies implementing biometric-based systems for secure customer identification would require these standards to ensure the systems protect customer privacy and comply with legal requirements.
Energy and Utilities: Companies managing critical infrastructure, such as energy grids or water utilities, using biometric systems for facility access control would need to secure these systems to prevent unauthorized access and potential sabotage.

5. Enterprises with High Security Requirements

Defense Contractors and Security Firms: Companies involved in defense and security sectors, especially those handling classified data or providing biometric solutions for military or high-security environments, will need to adhere to ISO/IEC WD 19792 to meet stringent security protocols.
Large Corporations: Enterprises using biometric authentication for workforce management, facility access, or employee identification would need to ensure that their biometric systems are secure to avoid security breaches and insider threats.

6. Privacy Advocates and Data Protection Authorities

Data Privacy Organizations: Authorities or non-profits advocating for data privacy would require adherence to this standard to ensure biometric systems protect personal data in compliance with global privacy laws like GDPR.
Compliance and Legal Teams: Organizations’ internal compliance departments need to implement this standard to ensure they follow regulations and avoid legal liabilities related to biometric data breaches.

7. Standardization and Certification Bodies

Certification Organizations: Agencies that certify products for security, such as those performing Common Criteria (CC) evaluations for IT products, would need to incorporate ISO/IEC WD 19792 when evaluating biometric systems for security.
Standardization Bodies: Organizations involved in creating or maintaining security and technical standards for information technology would reference ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure uniformity in biometric security evaluations globally.

8. Public Safety Organizations

Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies using biometric systems for criminal identification, surveillance, or forensics should ensure their biometric systems comply with the latest security standards to maintain system integrity and prevent misuse.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is crucial for any organization or entity involved with biometric systems, particularly those responsible for biometric development, implementation, management, or regulation. This includes technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies, and security organizations. The goal is to ensure that biometric systems are secure, protect user privacy, and prevent unauthorized access or breaches, thus fostering trust in the growing use of biometric technology.

When is required ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required in various scenarios where the security evaluation of biometric systems becomes critical to ensure the protection of biometric data and overall system integrity. Here’s when ISO/IEC WD 19792 is necessary:

1. During Biometric System Development

Product Design and Development: When a company is developing biometric systems (e.g., fingerprint scanners, facial recognition software, voice recognition), ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required to ensure that these systems are built with robust security measures.
System Architecture Planning: Early stages of system design should incorporate the standard’s guidelines to prevent security vulnerabilities from the outset.

2. Before System Deployment

Pre-Deployment Security Audits: Before a biometric system is rolled out in an organization or service, it must be evaluated for potential security risks. This is when ISO/IEC WD 19792 would be applied to assess and verify the system’s security capabilities.
Government and Law Enforcement: For national security, immigration, and border control systems that use biometric data (e.g., for passports or visas), applying the standard before deployment ensures the system meets necessary security benchmarks.

3. In High-Security Environments

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Biometric systems used for securing critical infrastructure (e.g., energy plants, military facilities) require compliance with ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure they are resistant to hacking, spoofing, and other security threats.
Defense and National Security: When a country’s defense sector adopts biometric technology for access control or authentication, this standard ensures that the system is resilient to sophisticated attacks.

4. When Handling Sensitive Data

Healthcare Data Systems: For organizations handling sensitive personal health information, such as hospitals and clinics using biometric data for patient identification, the security evaluation of these systems becomes mandatory to protect data privacy.
Banking and Financial Institutions: Banks and financial institutions using biometrics for authentication purposes need to ensure their systems are secure, particularly when handling sensitive financial data or personal information.

5. During Regulatory Compliance Audits

Compliance with Data Protection Laws: Organizations required to comply with privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, or similar laws globally, must undergo regular security evaluations of their biometric systems, making ISO/IEC WD 19792 necessary during these audits.
Certification and Accreditation: Organizations seeking security certifications (such as Common Criteria Certification) for their biometric systems are required to meet the security standards outlined in ISO/IEC WD 19792 to receive certification.

6. After Security Breaches or Incidents

Post-Incident Evaluation: If a biometric system experiences a security breach, it is necessary to evaluate the vulnerabilities of the system using ISO/IEC WD 19792 to identify gaps and implement corrective measures.
Incident Response and Recovery: In the aftermath of a cyberattack or spoofing incident, organizations may need to reassess their biometric system’s security and make improvements based on the standards outlined in ISO/IEC WD 19792.

7. Periodic Security Assessments

Ongoing Risk Management: Biometric systems should undergo regular security evaluations, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and national security, where the handling of sensitive data is involved. ISO/IEC WD 19792 serves as the framework for these periodic assessments.
Technology Updates and Upgrades: When an organization upgrades its biometric technology or modifies its system architecture, the standard is required to ensure that the updated system is still compliant with security requirements.

8. International Deployment of Biometric Systems

Cross-Border Data Transfer: When biometric systems are used across international borders (e.g., multinational corporations, global financial institutions), ISO/IEC WD 19792 helps ensure that the system meets international security standards, facilitating trust and regulatory compliance in different jurisdictions.
International Standards Compliance: For organizations operating in multiple countries, it is crucial to implement security standards like ISO/IEC WD 19792 to maintain consistency in biometric system security across regions.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required when biometric systems are being developed, deployed, or audited to ensure they meet high security and privacy standards. It is especially necessary for systems handling sensitive personal data, used in high-security environments, or subject to legal and regulatory compliance. Regular evaluation is also required to keep biometric systems updated against emerging threats, ensuring ongoing protection and system integrity.

Where is required ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required in various sectors and regions where biometric systems are deployed, particularly in areas that deal with sensitive data or require high-security standards. Here’s a breakdown of where this standard is essential:

1. Government and National Security Agencies

Border Control and Immigration: Countries using biometric systems for passport verification, visa processing, and border control (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition systems at airports and border checkpoints) require ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure these systems are secure and reliable.
Law Enforcement: National and local law enforcement agencies using biometric systems for criminal identification, suspect tracking, and forensic analysis must implement security standards like ISO/IEC WD 19792 to safeguard sensitive data and prevent misuse.
Defense and Military: Defense sectors globally, especially those using biometrics for facility access control and identity verification for personnel, rely on this standard to ensure the system’s integrity and security.

2. Financial Institutions

Banks and Financial Services: Banks using biometric authentication (e.g., for online banking, ATM withdrawals, or credit card security) need to implement ISO/IEC WD 19792 to protect against security breaches and fraud. This is critical in regions with stringent financial security regulations such as the European Union and United States.
Cryptocurrency and FinTech Companies: FinTech organizations using biometric verification for user identification in cryptocurrency wallets or online payment platforms need to adhere to this standard to ensure secure transactions and protect user data.

3. Healthcare Providers and Medical Institutions

Hospitals and Clinics: Healthcare providers using biometrics for patient identification, medical record access, or restricted area access (e.g., fingerprint or iris recognition systems) need to ensure that these systems are secure to protect sensitive patient information, especially in compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA in the U.S.
Pharmaceutical and Research Institutions: Research labs and pharmaceutical companies involved in clinical trials or drug development may use biometric systems for secure access to sensitive data or materials, and thus require ISO/IEC WD 19792 for data security and integrity.

4. Critical Infrastructure Sectors

Energy and Utilities: Critical infrastructure sectors, such as power plants, nuclear facilities, or water utilities, may use biometric systems for access control to highly secure areas. In these sectors, ISO/IEC WD 19792 is crucial to protect against unauthorized access and potential sabotage.
Telecommunications: Telecom companies that use biometrics for customer identification or employee access in secure data centers require this standard to safeguard against identity theft and fraud.

5. Public and Private Sector Enterprises

Multinational Corporations: Large companies using biometric systems for employee authentication, workforce management, or facility security across multiple regions require ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure compliance with international standards and local regulations.
Data Centers: Organizations operating data centers that implement biometric systems for facility access or secure data handling need to comply with this standard, especially in regions with strict data privacy laws, such as GDPR in the European Union.

6. Educational Institutions

Universities and Research Institutions: Universities or research institutions that use biometric systems for student identification, exam verification, or research facility access need to ensure these systems are secure to prevent misuse and protect personal data, especially in sensitive research areas.

7. Retail and Consumer Services

Retail Chains: Retailers adopting biometric systems for payment verification (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition payments) or for customer authentication need to comply with ISO/IEC WD 19792 to protect against data breaches and ensure consumer trust.
Airlines and Transportation Services: Airlines using biometrics for ticket verification, boarding processes, and identity management require this standard to ensure secure handling of passenger data and prevent unauthorized access.

8. Global Regulatory and Compliance Regions

European Union: The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organizations processing biometric data to ensure its security. Therefore, biometric systems in EU countries must adhere to ISO/IEC WD 19792 for security evaluation and compliance.
United States: U.S. organizations handling biometric data, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, and defense, must follow security regulations from bodies like NIST and comply with standards like ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure system security.
Asia: Countries like India, Japan, and South Korea, where biometric data is used extensively in government ID systems (e.g., Aadhaar in India), require ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure the biometric systems are secure and compliant with local privacy laws.
Middle East: Countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, using biometric technology for security monitoring and public safety require compliance with international security standards to protect systems from cyberattacks and ensure operational integrity.

9. Biometric System Manufacturers

Technology Companies: Companies developing biometric hardware and software (e.g., fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems, voice recognition software) must adhere to ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure their products meet international security standards before market release.

10. Certification and Auditing Bodies

Certification Agencies: Organizations providing security certifications for IT products and services, such as Common Criteria (CC) evaluators, will require compliance with ISO/IEC WD 19792 when certifying biometric systems.
Auditors and Regulators: Auditing bodies that evaluate the security of biometric systems across sectors will use ISO/IEC WD 19792 to ensure systems meet required security standards during periodic assessments and after incidents.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required across a broad range of sectors and regions where biometric systems are used for security, identity verification, and data protection. It is particularly relevant in government, finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and multinational corporations. The standard ensures that biometric systems are secure, compliant with international regulations, and protected from unauthorized access or breaches.

How is required ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

ISO/IEC WD 19792, a standard for the security evaluation of biometric systems, is required through a structured process that assesses the system’s ability to protect biometric data and maintain the integrity of the overall system. The standard is typically implemented through the following methods:

1. Risk Assessment and Threat Modeling

Identify Potential Threats: The standard requires conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential security threats specific to the biometric system. These could include spoofing attacks, replay attacks, or data breaches targeting biometric information.
Evaluate Attack Scenarios: The system must be evaluated for its vulnerability to different attack scenarios such as man-in-the-middle attacks, brute force, or biometric data tampering.
Document Security Objectives: Based on the identified risks, security objectives for the biometric system are established. These objectives help guide the security measures needed to mitigate those risks.

2. System Security Architecture Evaluation

Assess System Components: Each component of the biometric system, including sensors (e.g., fingerprint scanners, iris scanners), processing units, and data storage, is evaluated for its security capabilities. The standard requires ensuring that these components are designed to resist common security threats.
Data Protection Mechanisms: The evaluation focuses on how well the system protects biometric data during storage, transmission, and processing. Encryption methods, secure data transmission protocols, and access control mechanisms are analyzed to ensure compliance with security requirements.
Assess Communication Interfaces: Any communication between the biometric system and other systems (e.g., servers or networks) must be evaluated for security. This includes ensuring secure API communications, encryption of data in transit, and preventing unauthorized access.

3. Authentication and Verification Testing

Biometric Data Integrity: The system must be able to accurately verify user identity and detect forged or manipulated data. Testing is done to ensure the system can differentiate between genuine and fraudulent biometric inputs.
Spoofing Resistance: The standard requires tests to evaluate the system’s resistance to spoofing attacks. This involves assessing how well the system can detect fake biometric inputs (e.g., artificial fingerprints or photos used in facial recognition).
Matching Algorithm Security: The biometric matching algorithm used to compare biometric data must be tested to ensure it is secure against attacks that could compromise the matching process (e.g., altering the algorithm to force incorrect matches).

4. Privacy and Data Security Compliance

Compliance with Data Privacy Laws: ISO/IEC WD 19792 requires the biometric system to adhere to local and international data privacy laws such as GDPR in the EU or HIPAA in the U.S. This includes ensuring that biometric data is anonymized or pseudonymized where appropriate and stored securely.
Access Control and User Permissions: The system should have robust access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized users from accessing biometric data. This includes ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or modify the biometric data.
Data Retention Policies: The system must comply with policies regarding the retention and deletion of biometric data, ensuring data is not stored longer than necessary and is securely deleted after its use.

5. Security Functionality Testing

Cryptographic Protection: Any cryptographic methods used to secure biometric data, such as encryption, digital signatures, or hashing algorithms, are evaluated to ensure they meet the required security strength. ISO/IEC WD 19792 requires testing of encryption protocols to ensure confidentiality and integrity of biometric data.
Secure Access to Biometric Data: The system must be evaluated to ensure that biometric data can only be accessed through secure and authenticated means. This includes ensuring that the system uses multi-factor authentication and that access logs are generated for monitoring purposes.

6. Attack Resistance and Penetration Testing

Simulated Attacks: The system is subject to penetration testing where ethical hackers attempt to exploit vulnerabilities. ISO/IEC WD 19792 mandates this to ensure that the biometric system can resist a wide range of cyberattacks.
Resistance to Physical Attacks: In addition to software-based attacks, the standard also requires evaluation of the system’s resistance to physical tampering or damage, such as attempting to alter hardware or destroy sensors.
Response to Attack Detection: The system’s ability to detect and respond to attacks is evaluated. This includes logging incidents, alerting administrators, and initiating defensive actions like temporarily locking the system.

7. Audit and Certification

Third-Party Audits: Independent security auditors or certification bodies assess the system based on ISO/IEC WD 19792. This includes reviewing documentation, examining system architecture, and testing security measures.
Certification Process: Organizations may seek certification from recognized bodies to prove that their biometric systems meet the security standards outlined in ISO/IEC WD 19792. Certification is required for compliance with certain regulations or for marketing purposes, particularly in government and highly regulated industries.

8. Lifecycle Security Management

Security Maintenance and Updates: ISO/IEC WD 19792 requires that biometric systems maintain security throughout their lifecycle. This includes regularly updating software, patching vulnerabilities, and reassessing security when changes are made to the system.
Incident Response Plan: The system must have an incident response plan in place to manage potential breaches. This includes identifying the scope of the breach, containing the attack, and notifying affected users or authorities.

9. User Education and Training

Administrator Training: The standard requires that system administrators be trained on the security features of the biometric system, including how to configure settings, manage permissions, and respond to security incidents.
User Awareness: End-users of the biometric system, such as employees or customers, should be educated about the system’s security features, including how to protect their biometric data and avoid security risks like phishing attempts.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is required by following a comprehensive security evaluation process that covers risk assessment, system architecture review, privacy compliance, functionality testing, and incident response. It ensures that biometric systems are secure, resistant to attacks, and compliant with legal and regulatory frameworks. Organizations undergo third-party audits and regular evaluations to maintain compliance with the standard and ensure their biometric systems remain secure throughout their operational lifecycle.

Case Study on ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

Case Study: Implementing ISO/IEC WD 19792 for Biometric Security Evaluation in a Financial Institution

Overview:

A leading financial institution, SecureBank, sought to implement a robust biometric security system for its online banking platform. The organization aimed to integrate fingerprint and facial recognition technologies to enhance security and improve user authentication. In order to evaluate the security of its biometric system, SecureBank decided to comply with the guidelines provided in ISO/IEC WD 19792 (Information Technology – Security Techniques – Security Evaluation of Biometrics). The objective was to ensure the biometric authentication process would be secure, resistant to threats, and compliant with industry regulations.

Objectives:

To implement a secure biometric authentication system for user login and transaction approvals.
To evaluate the security architecture, risk factors, and attack resistance of the biometric system.
To ensure the protection of biometric data during storage, transmission, and processing.
To comply with data privacy regulations like GDPR and CISPA.

Phase 1: Risk Assessment & Threat Modeling

The first step in implementing ISO/IEC WD 19792 was conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of the biometric system. This involved identifying potential threats such as:

Spoofing attacks (e.g., the use of fake fingerprints or photos in facial recognition).
Replay attacks, where biometric data captured during a previous transaction might be used again.
Tampering with the hardware components, such as fingerprint readers.
Unauthorized access to biometric data stored on the server.

A threat modeling session was organized, involving security architects, developers, and third-party security experts. The key vulnerabilities identified included:

Weak encryption algorithms used to store and transmit biometric data.
Lack of multifactor authentication in the initial login process.
Potential physical attacks on biometric hardware devices, especially at ATM machines and kiosks.

Phase 2: Security Architecture Review

SecureBank carried out a detailed review of its biometric system’s architecture, focusing on its components and communication interfaces. The evaluation included:

Encryption mechanisms: AES-256 encryption was chosen to protect biometric data at rest and in transit.
Biometric sensors: Advanced tamper-resistant sensors were integrated to detect and resist physical manipulation.
Secure communication protocols: Data transmitted from the biometric sensors to the server was encrypted using TLS 1.2.

The system’s architecture also involved cloud storage for biometric data. To mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to the cloud-stored biometric data, SecureBank deployed multi-factor authentication for administrators and strict role-based access control (RBAC).

Phase 3: Biometric Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

Complying with the privacy requirements in ISO/IEC WD 19792, SecureBank ensured that biometric data collected from users would be anonymized. The following measures were implemented:

Data minimization: Only necessary biometric data (e.g., fingerprint or face geometry) was collected, and sensitive personal data such as location or medical information was excluded.
GDPR compliance: The system was designed to comply with GDPR by allowing users to request deletion of their biometric data from SecureBank’s systems.
Data retention policies: Biometric data was stored only as long as needed, with a secure deletion mechanism in place after its retention period.

Phase 4: Spoofing Resistance & Security Functionality Testing

SecureBank’s biometric system was tested for resistance to spoofing attacks. Tests included:

Liveness detection in facial recognition to ensure that only real, live faces could be authenticated, reducing the risk of using photos or video replays.
Fingerprint scanning tests to evaluate the system’s ability to detect artificial fingerprints made from materials like silicone.

To further enhance security, matching algorithms were tested using ISO/IEC WD 19792’s guidelines. The evaluation ensured that these algorithms were able to accurately and securely match biometric data without false positives or negatives.

Phase 5: Attack Resistance and Penetration Testing

A third-party security firm was hired to perform penetration testing on the biometric system. They simulated a variety of attacks:

Brute-force attacks on the biometric data.
Attempts to bypass security through hardware tampering and man-in-the-middle attacks on the communication interfaces between the sensors and SecureBank’s servers.

The penetration tests revealed vulnerabilities in the mobile app interface, where biometric data could potentially be intercepted. These issues were addressed by implementing stronger encryption for mobile data transmission and adding security patches to the app.

Phase 6: Auditing and Certification

Upon completion of the security evaluation, SecureBank underwent an audit by an external certification body. The audit involved:

Reviewing the system architecture documentation and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC WD 19792.
Testing security functionality and reviewing the outcomes of penetration tests and risk assessments.
Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and the correct implementation of biometric data protection protocols.

After successfully addressing the audit findings, SecureBank was awarded the ISO/IEC WD 19792 certification, marking the biometric system as secure and in compliance with international standards.

Outcomes and Benefits:

Improved Security: By adhering to ISO/IEC WD 19792, SecureBank enhanced the security of its biometric authentication system, minimizing vulnerabilities and improving attack resistance.
Regulatory Compliance: SecureBank ensured compliance with key regulations such as GDPR, CISPA, and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), helping protect sensitive user data.
Enhanced User Trust: The implementation of a certified, secure biometric system improved user trust and encouraged adoption of biometric-based authentication for transactions.
Operational Efficiency: The biometric system streamlined user authentication, reducing the time taken for secure logins and transaction approvals, while maintaining a high level of security.

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates how ISO/IEC WD 19792 can be applied to the evaluation and enhancement of a biometric security system in a financial institution. By following the guidelines, SecureBank successfully developed a secure biometric authentication system that not only safeguarded user data but also complied with privacy laws and improved user experience. Through regular security updates, audits, and penetration tests, SecureBank ensured that its biometric system would remain secure in the face of evolving cyber threats.

White Paper on ISO/IEC WD 19792 Information technology Security techniques Security evaluation of biometrics

Abstract:

The rise of biometric systems as a security solution for identity authentication has led to an increased need for rigorous security evaluation methods. ISO/IEC WD 19792 provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the security of biometric systems. This white paper outlines the key principles of ISO/IEC WD 19792, its importance in biometric security evaluation, and the benefits of adopting the standard for both developers and users of biometric systems. The paper also discusses challenges in the implementation of the standard and provides recommendations for successful application.

1. Introduction:

Biometric authentication systems, which include fingerprint recognition, iris scanning, and facial recognition, have become critical in safeguarding sensitive data across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government. However, like any security system, biometric solutions are vulnerable to various threats, including spoofing, data breaches, and hardware tampering. ISO/IEC WD 19792 (Information technology — Security techniques — Security evaluation of biometrics) was developed to provide a standardized approach to assessing the security and resilience of biometric systems.

This white paper aims to:

Provide an overview of the standard and its key components.
Explore the challenges in evaluating biometric systems.
Explain the value of adopting the ISO/IEC WD 19792 standard for businesses and users.
Offer guidance on implementing the standard to achieve compliance and improve security.

2. Overview of ISO/IEC WD 19792:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 establishes a set of security evaluation techniques specifically designed for biometric systems. The primary goal is to evaluate the robustness, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of biometric systems against various types of attacks and vulnerabilities.

Key components of ISO/IEC WD 19792 include:

Risk assessment and threat modeling: Identifying potential threats to the biometric system and assessing the likelihood and impact of these risks.
Security architecture: Evaluating the design and configuration of the biometric system, including data transmission, storage, and processing components.
Attack resistance testing: Simulating common attacks, such as spoofing, replay attacks, and man-in-the-middle attacks, to assess the system’s defenses.
Data protection: Ensuring that biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial features, are securely stored and transmitted with encryption and proper access controls.
Privacy compliance: Addressing issues related to data minimization, anonymization, and compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).

3. Importance of ISO/IEC WD 19792 in Biometric Security:

As biometric systems become more prevalent, they face increased scrutiny from attackers seeking to bypass security protocols. Unlike traditional passwords, biometric data is permanent and cannot be easily changed if compromised. Therefore, the need for thorough security evaluations is critical.

ISO/IEC WD 19792 is important for the following reasons:

Standardization: It provides a consistent and standardized method to assess biometric systems across industries, ensuring uniformity in security practices.
Comprehensive Evaluation: The standard covers a broad range of security factors, from hardware and software vulnerabilities to data protection and privacy.
Resilience Against Evolving Threats: With frequent updates to reflect new threats, ISO/IEC WD 19792 helps organizations stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity challenges.

4. Key Challenges in Evaluating Biometric Systems:

Despite its advantages, evaluating the security of biometric systems poses several challenges:

Complexity of Biometric Data: Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial features, are inherently complex and require specialized algorithms for accurate recognition. Evaluating the robustness of these algorithms is technically demanding.
Spoofing and Presentation Attacks: Attackers can use fake biometric data (e.g., synthetic fingerprints or facial masks) to deceive systems. Detecting and mitigating such attacks requires advanced testing.
Privacy Concerns: Biometric data is deeply personal and permanent. Protecting this data from theft or misuse is critical, especially in regions governed by strict privacy regulations like GDPR.
Interoperability Issues: Different biometric systems may use varying algorithms and architectures, making it difficult to apply a one-size-fits-all security evaluation.

5. Benefits of Implementing ISO/IEC WD 19792:

Organizations that adopt ISO/IEC WD 19792 benefit in several ways:

Enhanced Security Posture: Organizations can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in their biometric systems, reducing the risk of breaches.
Regulatory Compliance: Following ISO/IEC WD 19792 helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements concerning data privacy and security.
Increased Trust and Credibility: Certification based on ISO/IEC WD 19792 demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that the organization prioritizes biometric security.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined security practices and thorough evaluations help organizations avoid costly data breaches and ensure smoother operations.

6. Implementation Framework for ISO/IEC WD 19792:

To successfully implement the standard, organizations should follow a structured framework:

6.1 Risk Assessment:

Begin by identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in the biometric system. This includes analyzing the attack surface, such as data transmission points, hardware interfaces, and storage mechanisms. Developing a comprehensive threat model is essential.

6.2 Security Architecture Design:

Review the system’s security architecture, ensuring that biometric data is securely encrypted and that communication between devices is protected. Regular audits of hardware security components, such as sensors and readers, should be conducted.

6.3 Testing and Validation:

Implement attack simulations and security functionality tests as outlined in the standard. This includes:

Spoofing resistance testing: Ensuring the system can differentiate between real biometric data and fraudulent attempts.
Penetration testing: Simulating various attacks on the system, such as replay attacks or man-in-the-middle attacks, to assess its resilience.

6.4 Privacy and Data Protection:

Implement robust data protection protocols, such as data minimization, anonymization, and encryption. Ensure compliance with local data privacy regulations and provide users with clear guidelines on how their biometric data is handled.

6.5 Continuous Monitoring and Auditing:

Regularly audit the system to ensure that the security controls are effective and that the system remains secure against evolving threats. Continuous monitoring can help detect anomalies or suspicious activities in real-time.

7. Case Study: Application of ISO/IEC WD 19792 in a Healthcare Setting

A healthcare organization implemented biometric authentication for access to patient medical records. To ensure security and compliance with privacy laws, they adopted ISO/IEC WD 19792. By conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, they identified vulnerabilities in their facial recognition system and implemented spoofing-resistant technology. As a result, the organization achieved compliance with HIPAA and GDPR, ensuring that patient data was protected and the biometric system was secure.

8. Conclusion:

ISO/IEC WD 19792 offers a detailed and reliable framework for evaluating the security of biometric systems. As biometric technology continues to evolve and its adoption grows across industries, the standard helps ensure that these systems remain secure, reliable, and compliant with privacy regulations. Organizations that adopt ISO/IEC WD 19792 benefit from enhanced security, operational efficiency, and improved customer trust.

By applying this standard, organizations can safeguard sensitive biometric data, mitigate security risks, and ensure their systems are resilient against emerging threats.

9. Recommendations:

Early Adoption: Integrate ISO/IEC WD 19792 into the design phase of biometric systems to identify and address security issues early.
Ongoing Audits: Perform regular audits and penetration tests to keep up with evolving threats and maintain system integrity.
User Education: Educate users on how biometric data is collected, processed, and protected to enhance trust and transparency.

This white paper provides a broad overview of ISO/IEC WD 19792 for the security evaluation of biometric systems, highlighting its importance, benefits, and challenges. By adhering to the standard, organizations can enhance security, ensure compliance, and build trust with their users.