The Future of Biometrics in Smart City Security: Innovative Companies and In-Demand Technical Skills

Apr 19, 2023

As cities become more crowded, the demand for smart city security solutions is on the rise. Biometric technology has emerged as a reliable and secure method of identifying individuals, and it is poised to play a crucial role in smart city security in the years to come. In this article, we will explore the future of biometrics in smart city security, including some of the most innovative companies in the space.

What is Biometric Technology?

Biometric technology is a method of identifying individuals based on unique physical characteristics. Biometric authentication systems can recognize a person’s face, fingerprints, voice, or even their iris pattern. Unlike traditional security systems that rely on passwords or key cards, biometric technology provides an additional layer of security by verifying the identity of the individual.

The Future of Biometrics in Smart City Security

Smart city security systems are becoming more advanced, and biometric technology is playing an increasingly important role. In the coming years, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of biometric authentication systems in smart cities around the world. Here are some of the ways biometric technology is likely to be used in smart city security:

  • Facial Recognition: Facial recognition technology is already in use in many smart cities around the world, and its applications are set to expand. By using facial recognition, smart city security systems can track individuals in real-time, which is useful for law enforcement and security purposes.
  • Voice Recognition: Voice recognition is another biometric technology that is likely to see increased use in smart city security systems. By analyzing the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice, systems can verify their identity and grant access to restricted areas.
  • Iris Recognition: Iris recognition is a highly secure biometric technology that can identify individuals based on the unique patterns in their eyes. Smart city security systems are likely to use iris recognition for high-security areas, such as government buildings and financial institutions.
  • Fingerprint Recognition: Fingerprint recognition is a widely used biometric technology that is expected to play an important role in smart city security. By analyzing the unique patterns in an individual’s fingerprints, security systems can verify their identity and grant access to restricted areas.
  • Behavioral Biometrics: Behavioral biometrics is a relatively new field that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze an individual’s behavior, such as their typing patterns or the way they hold their phone. Smart city security systems are likely to use behavioral biometrics to identify individuals in real-time, even if they are not looking directly at a camera.

Companies Leveraging Emerging Technologies

Several companies are at the forefront of the biometric technology industry, leveraging emerging technologies to develop innovative smart city security solutions. Here are five companies leading the way:

  • NEC Corporation: NEC Corporation is a Japanese multinational that specializes in biometric authentication systems. Its NeoFace facial recognition technology is used in airports, train stations, and other high-security areas around the world.
  • Thales Group: Thales Group is a French multinational that provides technology solutions to the aerospace, defense, and security industries. Its Gemalto Cogent biometric technology is used in law enforcement and border control applications.
  • IDEMIA: IDEMIA is a French multinational that specializes in biometric technology for security and identity verification. Its MorphoWave Compact uses touchless fingerprint recognition for high-security areas.
  • Cisco Systems: Cisco Systems is an American multinational that provides networking and cybersecurity solutions. Its DNA Spaces platform uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to track individuals in real-time, which can be used for security purposes.
  • Bosch Security Systems: Bosch Security Systems is a German company that provides security solutions to a range of industries. Its Intelligent Insights platform uses AI and machine learning to analyze video footage for security purposes.

Industry-Specific Titles and Technical Skills

The demand for biometric technology in smart city security is creating a need for specialized professionals with a range of technical skills. Here are some of the most important industry-specific titles and technical skills employers are looking for:

Industry-Specific Titles:

  • Biometric Engineer: Biometric engineers are responsible for designing and developing biometric authentication systems. They must have a strong understanding of biometric technologies and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems.
  • Security Analyst: Security analysts are responsible for assessing and mitigating security risks in smart city environments. They must have a strong understanding of cybersecurity and biometric technologies to design effective security systems.
  • Data Scientist: Data scientists are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data from biometric authentication systems. They must have a strong understanding of machine learning and statistical analysis to extract meaningful insights.
  • Software Developer: Software developers are responsible for developing the software that powers biometric authentication systems. They must have a strong understanding of programming languages and software development methodologies.
  • Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of biometric authentication systems. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies and experience in leading complex projects.

Technical Skills:

  • Biometric Algorithms: Biometric engineers and software developers must have a strong understanding of biometric algorithms and how they can be used to authenticate individuals.
  • Machine Learning: Data scientists and software developers must have a strong understanding of machine learning algorithms and how they can be used to analyze biometric data.
  • Cybersecurity: Security analysts and project managers must have a strong understanding of cybersecurity risks and how to design secure biometric authentication systems.
  • Programming Languages: Software developers must have experience in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
  • Statistical Analysis: Data scientists must have a strong understanding of statistical analysis and how to apply it to biometric data.
  • Network Security: Security analysts and project managers must have a strong understanding of network security and how to design secure network architectures.
  • Image Processing: Biometric engineers and software developers must have a strong understanding of image processing techniques and how to use them to analyze biometric data.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Data scientists and software developers must have a strong understanding of artificial intelligence and how it can be applied to biometric authentication systems.
  • Cryptography: Security analysts and project managers must have a strong understanding of cryptography and how it can be used to secure biometric authentication systems.
  • Biometric Standards: Biometric engineers and software developers must have a strong understanding of biometric standards such as ISO/IEC 19794 and ANSI/NIST-ITL.

Biometric technology is set to play an increasingly important role in smart city security in the years to come. Companies such as NEC Corporation, Thales Group, IDEMIA, Cisco Systems, and Bosch Security Systems are at the forefront of the industry, developing innovative biometric authentication systems that are changing the way we think about security. The demand for specialized professionals with technical skills in biometric algorithms, machine learning, cybersecurity, and programming languages is on the rise, creating new opportunities for executive recruitment in the industry. As smart cities continue to evolve, biometric technology will remain a critical component of their security infrastructure.

 

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About

David McInnis

President & Founding Partner

David has two decades of global recruitment experience and is Founding Partner of Willard Powell. Prior to founding Willard Powell, David worked with Leathwaite International, a global executive search firm. Before his employment with Leathwaite, David worked for Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo Securities) supporting the firm’s Investment Banking & Capital Markets Technology group. David is a graduate of Lasell College in Newton, MA, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Management Information Systems. David also serves as a Trustee on Lasell’s Board.