Biometric spoofing: how biometrics strengthens trust against presentation attacks

Biometrics between trust and emerging threats

Facial and fingerprint recognition is becoming part of our daily lives, from banking apps to airport checkpoints. But this widespread adoption also attracts new threats. Among them, presentation attacks—commonly known as biometric spoofing—aim to trick a system using fake samples such as photos, videos, masks, or 3D models. These attempts undermine trust in biometrics and can compromise organizational security.

Presentation attacks: understanding biometric spoofing

Presentation attacks seek to bypass recognition systems to impersonate a legitimate user. Examples are numerous: a printed photo, a video played on a screen, or even a sophisticated 3D mask. In light of these threats, it becomes essential to ensure that the identified person is indeed a living individual and not an imitation.

This is where Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) comes into play—an array of techniques designed to distinguish real from fake. Two complementary approaches stand out:

• Hardware-based PAD: infrared sensors, multispectral or 3D cameras able to detect heat, blood flow, or depth.
• Software-based PAD: AI algorithms analyzing subtle movements, textures, and reflections to spot artifacts.

By combining these approaches, it becomes possible to effectively block spoofing attempts.

ISO/IEC 30107-3: the benchmark standard against spoofing

To ensure a high level of security, biometric solutions must comply with international standards. ISO/IEC 30107-3 sets out strict testing protocols. Achieving PAD Level 2 certification is particularly significant: it proves that a system can withstand advanced attacks, with zero successful intrusions after hundreds of attempts.

Modules such as HID U.ARE.U™ Face or Lumidigm V-Series readers have demonstrated their efficiency, achieving 100% attack detection during the most demanding tests. These results prove that today’s technology can successfully combine maximum security with seamless user experience.

Source: https://blog.hidglobal.com/boosting-biometric-trust-spoofing-world-what-you-need-know-about-presentation-attacks