Iris scanning has moved from science fiction to reality some time ago. First demonstrated in the 1990s, iris recognition is now used at many airports, prisons, and areas requiring tight security. Unlike retinal scanning, which maps and identifies blood vessels in the retina, iris scanning uses mathematical formulae to store and recognize the highly complex patterns of an individual’s iris — the colored part of the eye.
As a talent solutions company specializing in IT, tech, and cybersecurity leadership, we can see firsthand how this shift impacts recruitment trends. Companies are looking for security leaders with experience in biometrics and implementing iris scanning technology, to future-proof themselves as security requirements inevitably become more stringent.
Why Iris Scanning Is Gaining Traction
Iris scanning is fast and very secure. Because it’s based on the unique patterns of the iris, it’s currently almost impossible to spoof or trick. There are ways to trick some other biometric security technology systems, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, for criminals with the time and resources to do so. However, the complexities of the patterns in the iris make them tough to mimic, even with deep fake photos. This is a compelling reason for companies with a vested interest in high security to consider switching to iris recognition.
The convenience of iris scanning can’t be overstated. Some iris scanners can recognize an individual from several meters away, allowing an authorized person to simply walk into a secure area that would not open up for someone not on the relevant iris database. Iris scanning is notably faster than fingerprint scanning, helping businesses become more efficient with less time spent handling security protocols. Some organizations are combining iris scanning with existing fingerprint recognition systems for enhanced overall security. Anything that needs securing, from data to storage rooms, can potentially be protected via iris scanning. Firms across the finance, healthcare, travel, and cloud computing sectors are all starting to adopt iris scanning technology.
How This Impacts Cybersecurity and Tech Hiring
With that in mind, firms are hiring cybersecurity leaders with the tech skills to support iris scanning as well as those skilled in data governance and data protection. Companies are increasingly searching for leaders with experience in biometric security and a deep understanding of the current compliance laws surrounding data privacy.
There also needs to be an understanding of how to deploy iris scanning into other security systems. Zero Trust Architecture works from an “Always Verify” approach, and iris scanning could be a major part of this. Cybersecurity specialists who understand both disciplines could be very advantageous for companies wanting to bolster their overall security posture. The ability to combine various layers of security is essential for firms and agencies in sectors like defense and aviation, where security breaches could cost lives.
Ideal candidates in this field must also understand the potential ethical considerations of working with biometrics. Essentially, firms will need to catalog the biometric data of all their relevant personnel. That means gaining consent and being transparent about how that data will be stored and used. Data storage systems must have risk assessments performed on them, and any third-party providers involved must demonstrate that they can maintain the required compliance standards. As these standards are shifting all the time, it’s essential that companies wanting to deploy this technology hunt for adaptable, future-ready leadership candidates who can pivot when needed.
Conclusion: Innovation Demands New Talent Strategies
Iris scanning might be the future of biometric authentication, but it’s just the beginning of a broader security revolution. Around 1.5 billion people around the world are currently registered in iris scanning schemes — a number which is sure to skyrocket once the technology becomes more widely adopted. In countries where it’s tricky to get a passport, for example, iris recognition represents a simple way of proving your identity. However, firms that use iris data in this way must be able to show that they’re using the data ethically and storing it securely. That means investing in personnel who can keep their finger on the pulse of data compliance and privacy laws, and how operating in different areas across the globe may change how data is used. Focusing on hiring leaders who have the experience and skills to deploy this technology securely and at scale, while respecting the ethics and compliance aspects of biometrics, is a sure way to drive innovation in security for your organization. Work with trusted talent solutions specialists to discover effective cybersecurity talent strategies and future-proof the security of your company.
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