Smartphones, Biometrics, and a Brave New World

In this article, we take a somewhat contrarian viewpoint - that biometrics may, in fact, offer solutions to many of today's cyber-security problems that appear with increasing frequency in prime-time news. This outcome relies on the individual asserting ownership over his or her personal biometrics. A strange hypothesis, you might think - but let us start with the disruptive technology that could enable this transition in how we view and use biometrics. Let's begin by considering the smartphone on your desk, in your hand, or in your coat pocket.