Multiple choice technology security

Which is a fundamental disadvantage of biometrics?

  1. Revoking credentials

  2. Encryption

  3. Communications

  4. Placement
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Biometric characteristics cannot be revoked or changed - if your fingerprint data is compromised, you cannot get a new fingerprint like you can change a password. This creates a permanent security risk. Encryption, communications, and sensor placement are practical challenges but not fundamental disadvantages. The revocation problem is considered the most significant limitation of biometric authentication.

AI explanation

A fingerprint, iris pattern, or other biometric trait is a fixed physical characteristic — if it's ever compromised (e.g., a fingerprint database is breached), you cannot issue the person a new fingerprint the way you can reset a password or reissue a smart card. This inability to revoke and reissue a compromised credential is a core, irreducible weakness of biometric authentication, unlike issues with encryption, communications, or sensor placement, which are implementation details rather than fundamental limits.

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