ECG-based biometric authentication startup secures GBP 3.5M
Founded in 2002, the Belfast-based company has developed a suite of solutions in electrocardiogram (ECG) sensing as well as biometric algorithms so as to use an individual’s unique heartbeat pattern to quickly and securely perform authentication.
One of the company’s claims is that since ECG is an internal biometric, it is difficult to hack or spoof while providing liveness detection at the same time.
It has created a portfolio of heartbeat algorithms which it is licensing into a number of end-user applications. The algorithms can not only perform user authentication, they can also detect a number of wellbeing metrics which B-Secur says could let an application (such as a car-lock or a secure-entry system) know whether the authenticated users are tired, stressed or even under the influence of drinks or drugs.
Exchanging emails with B-Secur’s COO Simon Rea, eeNews Europe learned that pattern differences are fairly minute across the different states of a given person, however, Rea highlighted that the areas of the signal B-Secur focuses on for authentication are able to remove or even ignore the variations that occur in different states, reducing false negatives.
“As long as our algorithms pick up a strong signal they can work across a number of different use-cases and devices” explained the COO, noting that ECG signals can be captured using a number of different conductive materials (metals, fabrics, inks, etc.) and also from a number of different locations on the body (wrist, fingers, chest, etc.).
“We support the design and implementation of the ECG signal capture and have specialists that help to create fantastic ECG signal capture. This allows us to get great ECG signal capture for authentication but also allows the tech companies to implement more accurate BPM measurement, etc.” Rea added.
The company has demoes it is showing to prospective clients. For now B-Secur is focusing mainly on identity and access management, piloting a product that allows a user to be continuously authenticated using their heartbeat, and access secure areas without needing to enter codes or hold security passes.
The pilot product also collects vital information about the employee such as heart rate, location, and wellbeing metrics to ensure the safety of these employees in dangerous and highly security conscious environments.
Another interesting market is wearables, and finally, the Irish company is hoping its ECG-based authentication algorithms could make into cars, allowing users to start their engine using their heartbeat and then providing safety features such as early warnings for if the drivers were showing early signs of tiredness. The car engine could even be prevented from starting if they were under the influence of drinks or drugs.
As a side note, according to industry reports, the global ECG biometrics market is expected to be worth $2Bn by 2021.
B-Secur – www.b-secur.com
Accelerated Digital Ventures – www.accelerated.ventures
Kernel Capital – www.kernel-capital.com
Related articles:
Consumers are craving biometrics, or is it smartphone manufacturers?
Alertness and biometrics all-in-one seatback sensor?
Biometrics on the steering wheel: the ultimate life tracker
Private IC as a service leverages smartphone-enabled biometrics
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
