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Authentication by heartbeat: The next step in biometrics?

Authentication by heartbeat: The next step in biometrics?

Technology News |
By Christoph Hammerschmidt



B-Secur has developed a set of EKG authentication and wellness algorithms, called HeartKey, and introduced them at the current Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Built on the premise that an individual’s cardiac rhythm is completely unique just like their fingerprints or iris, HeartKey identifies and authenticates users by measuring specific points in their heartbeat. The algorithms bundled in HeartKey “offer a very high degree of security”, promised B-Secure CEO Alan Foreman.

To apply the technology in the car, it would only be necessary to equip the steering wheel with one or two sensors at places where drivers typically place their hands. Thus, the technology is not suited to secure the physical access to the vehicle, but instead to digital services inside the car. For example, the user could unlock a mobile phone account or a chargeable audio stream in this way. This type of authentication could also be interesting for commercial vehicle rental companies, explained Foreman. The authentication process would take only a few seconds, he said.

Beyond authentication, HeartKey will be able to monitor driver stress, alertness and cardiac conditions. Thus, it would be possible to constantly assess and monitor the muscular and electrical state of the driver’s heart. The algorithms can detect potentially dangerous changes in heart rate and rhythm, stress levels, fatigue, respiration and atrial fibrillation; if necessary, the software can issue an alert.


To commercialize its technology and bring it to various application markets, B-Secur is in the process of establishing partnerships with several major semiconductor players such as Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Cypress Semiconductor and NXP Semiconductors.

But HeartKey is not only for automotive use. Likewise, it can be used to transform wearables into near-medical-grade devices that can provide earlier detection of abnormal heart conditions, identify stress and fatigue factors, prevent injury and create personalized fitness goals.

Smart wear with this technology can also enable real-time insight of the uniformed worker, enabling improved health, safety, security and data insights not possible before. When used in the home or other environments, the technology could enable a flexible method of the detection of cardiac conditions enabling the early intervention and prevention of potentially fatal conditions.

More information:  https://www.b-secur.com

 

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