How We Can Help UK Hospitality Venues Re-open Safely

With the UK on track to lift lockdown restrictions from this month, it’s still essential to maintain processes and procedures that will keep both staff and customers safe as venues reopen, and people begin to venture out. Using a contactless system is the obvious way to go forward as it will reduce the contact required between staff and consumers and reduce the common touchpoint areas that may facilitate the spreading of the virus. The hospitality sector has suffered heavily over the past year with the restrictions placed on them. Hence, it’s essential to put into place systems that will give consumers a higher level of assurance to encourage them to come back as soon as possible. With biometric solutions, venues can also increase their organisational efficiency.

Contactless biometric payment solution

Our Morphowave Contactless solution is ideal for providing venues with easy payment methods that have several mutual benefits for both consumers and venues. Using IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ device (integrated with our own customisable application that enrolls and offers payment verification) allows for an easy and quick adoption of a biometric payment solutions.

The MorphoWave™ Compact implements a patented, truly contactless 3D fingerprint technology in a stylish and compact device, suitable for any location. The MorphoWave™ Compact acquires extremely accurate fingerprint data and overcomes the challenges of wet/dry fingers, and latent prints pose to the conventional scanning systems.

There are significant benefits for the use of biometric contactless payment solutions compared to other payment methods for hospitality venues includes;

  • Smoother and easier transaction process
  • Cuts queuing time
  • Minimising contact with staff
  • Provide customers with added assurances with regard to hygiene, as this is likely to be an issue for many following the pandemic.

Contactless biometric access control

Biometric access control solution that will benefit hospitality to quickly grant access to customers and enable venues to know the identity of every person entering. With an added marketing benefit of knowing their details and consumer behaviour traits which will provide a more personalised loyalty service to customers. Having a more targeted marketing and more customised special offers will lead to a higher return rate.

The  MorphoWave™ Compact allows for quick and smooth customer enrollment. With no added complexity for the user. Biometrics access control offers a higher state of certainty along with greater security and convenience. This results in the provision of secure digital credentials on either a card, mobile or other smart devices through biometric identification. With our biometric access control, further security to your organisation can be ensured, allowing you to have duel verification before gaining access into buildings or restricted areas.

Benefits of biometric access control include;

  • Reducing queuing time
  • Access to venues without requiring members of staff to verify and admit
  • Cost-cutting as venues will no longer need to produce the tickets, key cards.
  • Control access to various areas within the venue, so having restricted access areas.
  • Can provide access to further services within the venue, including contactless payment once the customer is enrolled in the system; it’s a seamless process.
  • Reducing risks of fraud significantly, as access isn’t granted under any false pretenses.

With biometric solutions being one of the fastest trends in the hospitality industry, it will likely become established. Our solution allows you to have both Access control and Biometric payment using the same system! So get started today and be ahead of the crowd; contact us at Arana Security for more information on how we can help you.

Arana Security provides a secure solution and a frictionless experience to safe deposit customers with IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ Compact

Arana security was hired/commissioned by Sharpes Pixley to put in place a control system for their safety deposit boxes in their flagship London premises. Sharps Pixley is a British bullion house, formed in 1957 when two historic private bullion partnerships merged. In 2015 they opened their current premises on St James street to give their customers the choice of purchasing products instore and to have state-of-the-art on-site facilities to store them too.

The existing facilities were ageing and they were facing a number of challenges with their biometric system that was leading to a substantial impact on customer experience and satisfaction, including;

  • Capturing fingerprints during the enrolment phase, especially with older clients, would typically take several attempts
  • During the verification process, the shop operator faced similar issues thus requiring multiple system restarts to get the device working correctly
  • The software was unstable and would often crash

\"\"

New additional functionalities were also required to be able to offer the correct secure services to their clients:

  • Two-person authentication to access a single Safety deposit box.
  • Manual authentication in addition to biometric identification.
  • Replacing the key fob with a biometric solution.

We at Arana Security specialise in biometric solutions, access control technology, surveillance and monitoring systems. We were able to design a new application for Sharps Pixley, to enhance the security, authentication and usability of the system – adding new next-level security clearance and a fresh and improved enrolment of clients’ biometrics. By using IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ Compact contactless fingerprint device we were able to create a system to enable fast, smooth and accurate verification of clients. MorphoWave™ Compact performs a 3D scan and verification of four fingerprints in less than one second, in a quick, easy and hygienic touchless hand wave gesture. Thanks to advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence, the accuracy is very high, even with ageing fingers. The implementation of MorphoWave™ Compact contactless biometric devices meant less time wasted at the desk waiting for confirmation of IDs and less stress on both the clients and employees. The system provided has significantly improved the client’s service and provided a more robust, secure and reliable solution.

The Application that we created was customised for the needs of Sharpes Pixley and so met their needs precisely. We were able to confer with them at every stage to ensure all their needs and expectations were met to the highest standard.

\”We approached the Arana team with a particularly unique set of problems to resolve including a security system that used hardware and software originally designed for a totally different purpose. I knew what I wanted but was not sure if it was possible. I was essentially an explorer deep in the jungle with a perfect map in my own head, but with no tools or machinery to hack my way out. Arana did more than just clear a path for me to get to my destination – they paved the road for me afterwards! MorphoWave™ Compact device from IDEMIA is the icing on the cake that makes this all possible. Used properly it is refreshingly simple and intuitive. The team here and our clientele no longer struggle to manage or use our access system. The device itself provides palpable reassurance in the technology and that has true value.\”

Bruno Garcia, Sharps Pixley ​

How Voice Recognition and AI is being Used in Today’s World

Since 1952 when voice recognition was first demonstrated technology has come on leaps and bounds. The use of AI technology has largely enhanced the exponential growth of voice recognition technology. AI is a term used to describe a series of related technologies that use large volumes of data to make predictions. In this case, analysing the text that has been captured by voice recognition to predict the meaning and find a suitable response. With a machines ability to effectively ‘learn’ over time they will become better at predicting what is being said and it’s meaning.

Conversation AI and customer service

While conversational AI still has its technical difficulties, it has already started to change customer service experience and will keep improving as the technology develops. Here are some examples of how this technology will benefit;

  • AI assistants can more efficiently and accurately detect errors than humans,
  • Being available at any time of day to assist customers.
  • Driving sales through personalisation. Personalised content can be generated for each customer especially in the case of online shopping which will bring benefit for the consumer as much as the business.
  • It can be applied to any industry.
  • Allowing customers to log on using voice recognition instead of a password.

Voice recognition and Payment/Identification Cards

Using voice recognition has already found its place as a biometric authentication as a voiceprint. Research has shown that voice recognition is favoured as a form of identification as it’s a non-contact and non-intrusive and easy to do. Voiceprint is already used by organisations such as banks to authenticate customers. Usually, it’s used in addition to existing security to create a multi-biometric identification process.

Although there is a great promise, there are still potential challenges to Voice recognition. The potential high error rate, due to variability in a person’s voice due to illness, mood changes, poor quality voice samples due to the presences of background noise are some issues yet to be overcome.

Transcription with AI assistant

As AI technology improves and can better understand human language, then the software that can provide the transcription services will improve. This brings the benefit for business owners with a higher level of automation, comes greater efficiency, reduced costs and more reliability.

There are already several apps and Softwares available that can transcribe with a high level of accuracy. The induction of AI technology means that the software can ‘learn’ better the nuances and accents of a person so over time increase its accuracy of the transcription.

E-learning and AI

Voice recognition and AI will find its applications in E-learning as a tool to enhance the experience for students. Role-play with an AI can help trainees to prepare for real-life situations in sales or customer services. Currently, product training is often supplied through pre-recorded videos or reading material, as it would not be a cost-effective approach to train each individual in person, but by using AI tools, the training can be supplied with a much more interactive approach and so better preparing the employee.

Customising how information is delivered to learners may enable e-learning to become more accessible to people who prefer non-traditional learning styles. AI will allow for that level of customisation to be delivered on a greater level, with greater efficiency and speed.

Voice control of electronics

Using voice control with electronics is a fast-growing trend among consumers. The promise of convenience is appealing to many. Hands-free management of electronic devices such as loudspeakers, thermostat and light fixtures is drawing consumers to invest in voice control platforms such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant. While the technology is still not wholly assimilated with normal speech patterns and relies on specifically worded voice commands, technology is continuously improving and advancing.

It’s expected that by 2024 there will be 8.4 billion voice assistant devices in the world, which is more than there are people. Such growth in ownership of such devices will be aided by the investment into the development of technologies that will enhance both the functionality and the reliability of voice recognition and AI both in homes and industry.

Arana Security develop new biometric payment application leveraging IDEMIA’s MorphoWave contactless fingerprint terminal

  • Biometric payment through a simple, contactless fingerprint scanning by the device

  • Solution being tested by an international retail organization

The current pandemic has increased the demand for biometric payment solutions for the banking and retail sector. However, fingerprint biometric solutions pose their own issues with hygiene. Arana Security developed an application to work alongside IDEMIA’s MorphoWave Compact to allow for contactless biometric payments. This solution offers an improved customer journey with an innovative, convenient and secure way to pay with just the wave of your hand.

As an expert in biometric integrated solutions Arana Security strives to provide customers with high quality solutions. The recent growth in demand for contactless payment solutions forecasts tremendous potential for the solution around the world. In fact, new research by Fingerprints showed 56% of consumers would prefer biometric payment over PIN.

With the introduction of mobile biometrics which accounts for 65% of mobile users, interest in the use of biometrics as a replacement for passwords has peaked. Consumers have been introduced to a ‘tap happy’ culture which they are now buying into.

The benefits for companies using biometric payments would also include cost savings on physical cards, ID documents and administration costs.

Arana Security chose to develop an application for IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ Compact contactless fingerprint device as it enables fast, smooth and accurate verification of clients. MorphoWave™ Compact performs a 3D scan and verification of four fingerprints in less than one second, in a quick, easy and hygienic touchless hand wave gesture. Thanks to advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence, the accuracy is very high, even with ageing fingers. This will allow customers to make a payment with the simple wave gesture.

The solution simply works by linking a payment card or account to a registered user on the mobile application. The user will then need to be enrolled using the MorphoWave which then enables the customer identification to authorize this card-on-file payment. The enrolment process happens on the device itself within 30 seconds.

By running this system on cloud services, Arana Security are able to offer multi-location enrolment and authentication, which makes this solution even more user friendly. The verification monitoring system can be used to overlook the verification of the users on the MorphoWave Compact from one simple portal.

Ali Nasser, Sales Director of Arana security, has stated that the aim is to help financial institutions and retail organisations to have a safe environment amid the pandemic, and a sustainable payment solution for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve worked closely with a reseller who is testing this new system with a Japanese retail organisation who require the system for their Shopping mall food courts based in several locations. We believe this system is crucial in helping retailers and financial institutions provide a safe and secure payment solution to their customers, all the while decreasing the chance of Fraud. It’ll definitely be a step in the right direction for many organisations.”

Plans to Create and Test Health Credential Biometric Systems are Being Explored Globally.

The effects of the pandemic has brought forward an idea that perhaps would have previously been more easily dismissed and regarded as an invasion of privacy to determine the health status of travellers crossing borders. The risk that COVID-19 poses to the global economy has meant that more drastic systems and processes are being proposed and put in place.

Plans to create and test health credential biometric systems are being explored in different sectors, not just in the UK but globally. The proposals are initially targeting the travel industry and to allow people to travel again with a greater level of assurance for both passenger and governments that the virus will not be transmitted across borders.

Currently, while vaccine programs are being rolled out at differing rates globally and with the target for the world to be COVID 19 immune by 2023, the interim will see a ‘hybrid’ of vaccinations status and negative COVID-19 tests.

There are several groups and initiatives globally that have been set up by both governments and organisations to create systems that will verify individuals vaccination status to protect against the future spread of the disease. One such group is The Vaccination Credential Initiative which aims to create the standards to verify a persons vaccination status.

While primarily the concern is for travelers to demonstrate their status, it’s expected that businesses in other industries will also require proof from their customers, such as event organisers and even employers from their employees.

What are the options?

While there are different approaches being discussed all aim to ensure the health status of the person by use of apps, QR codes or novel technology each approach requires the use of biometrics so to overcome the biggest challenge of fraud. To prevent individuals from misrepresenting their vaccination status is crucial for countries to take back control over the spread of COVID-19.

Apps such as VeriFLY with facial recognition and digital identity technology, allows passengers to create a secure profile on the app and so meet the testing and documentation requirements. This app is already in use by airlines in the USA.

While in the UK there have not previously been such apps in use, COVID-19 immunity and vaccination passports have started trials this month. The digital passport allows for an individuals test results or vaccination status to be registered and proved on an app without disclosing their identity. The app uses facial recognition to secure the data which will allow them to verify their status more securely. The system has been designed to plug into the existing NHS infrastructure and so does not increase the burden on frontline services. The trial is due to be completed by 31st March 2021.

An alternative approach is to use QR codes and smartphone to encode the test results or vaccine status. At the site of testing biometric data such as fingerprint or facial recognition would be enrolled to secure the credentials and also used to unlock the QR code so to prevent it from being shared with others.

Global e-dentity has a more novel approach by developing a system that can detect asymptomatic COVID-19 infection using a scanner. The device will scan the individual’s palm and can detect biometric characteristics such as altered blood vessel morphology and reduced haemoglobin levels, both of which have been shown to be indicative of COVID-19 infection. This technology has shown huge promise and indicated near 100% accuracy in detecting asymptomatic and presymptomatic COVID-19 infections.

What are the concerns?

As with any data collection or storage plans, there is a concern for data privacy. To ensure that the arrival of the digital health passport is favourable for all involved privacy is paramount. The risk of this data being either leaked or used unfavourably against an individual is a valid concern. Individuals deserve the assurances that their health data is secure and will not be used in a way that is of detriment to them. Not only the issue of privacy but any potential ethical implications also need to be explored fully and in-depth to ensure that the transformation of digital health data begins on secure foundations.

White Paper: Addressing the Challenges Organisations Face with Accurately Linking a Person with Their Identity

 Identity Challenges 

Organisations and Governments were faced with the challenge of accurately linking a person with their identity. In the past, a person\’s identity could be proven simply using documents that included a photo, which would have been enough. Over the last several decades, the evolution of technology brought about a more secure identification process that saw the creation of a digital identity. Although a step in the right direction, many still found themselves faced with the challenge of an inaccurate link, alongside, the new challenge of fraud and fraudulent documents. 

 

Addition of Biometric identification

Biometric literally means \”measurement of life,\” biometrics refers to all processes used to recognise, authenticate and identify personnel based on individual physical or behavioural characteristics. In an attempt to deal with the challenges at hand, modern technologies can now successfully input a person\’s biometric data and create a sold link to their identity in addition to other digital information.  With the addition of biometrics, the level of security created provides a much higher standard for identification processes, which can be used as multi-levels of verification to accurately prove a person\’s true identity.

 

Meet the BioBox

The BioBox was designed to establish a physical link between biometric identity, digital information and the person themselves. With the capacity to store and generate data in a secure system,  our diverse software allows for flexibility without jeopardising security standards. Easy, secure and fast processing, BioBox ID enables authorities to capture and store the data anywhere in under 4 minutes.

With face, iris and FBI certified fingerprint capabilities; this product permits multi verification, encoding and generating EFT files making ID fraud extremely difficult. The choice of included products is entirely up to the client. We are able to add or remove elements based around the necessities of the project. Stored in a waterproof, shockproof, compact case, it allows the user ease of transportation between locations.

 

Not only is the BioBox adjustable to a specific requirement, but the software we have developed is also customisable. The flexibility ensures BioBox is adaptable to various usage scenarios from commercial offices to governmental bodies; the software\’s capabilities are continually being upgraded to meet any potential challenges.

 

\"\" \"biobox, \"\"

 

 

 

 

 

Security of the Biometrics and Data Collected

The fact that a person\’s entire biometric footprint cannot be replicated is the ultimate reason we chose to bring different elements together when we created the BioBox. Including several biometric components of a person ensures the safety and security of data collected. 

 

Stored according to  international standards to generate an EFT (Electric Fingerprint Transmission) file format, which is created  with the highest level of security access. The database can be  stored locally on BioBox or a network server, allowing for  remote collection of the data, which can then be imported to the central database via a secure line if necessary. Our software and products are equipped to face fraud attempts.

 

 

Where can it be used? 

BioBox solution can be used in various scenarios around the world; its ease of use and flexibility is ideal for a  diverse range of organisations within the public and private sectors.

 

⮚ Citizen enrolment in large territories with distributed populations, 

⮚ Enhanced security checks (field clearance, roadblocks etc.),

⮚ Law enforcement, 

⮚ Homeland security and military personnel, 

⮚ NGOs, 

⮚ Education departments, 

⮚ Border controls and even 

⮚ Enterprise sector.

 

Case study

Secure Controlled Area – Middle East

For this specific project, a highly secure smart card solution was provided to restrict the access within a  controlled area inside a city; the solution we implemented was based on secure contact & contactless smart cards. With several gates present to allow access to this area, the requirement was to present the smart card ID at the gate and so allowing complete control of the restricted area. The challenge faced was producing highly secure smart cards and making sure the cards could be verified easily, relying on the physical characteristic of the cards and the digital and biometric identity verification if necessary. 

 

Requiring the use of biometric information, we decided to implement our BioBox and then take the collected data and encode it on a smart card. The BioBox ID was used in the enrolment of the biometric data and integrated with an already existing central database. We customised the BioBox ID software to meet the requirement for this client by connected our system to their database and executing the conception of EFT files; the biometric data was collected and added to the database. We also encoded elements of the biometric data on the smart card for verification. On each gate, mobile verification devices were deployed to allow for biometric verification and so to provide more secure access controls. The solution was deployed in a short amount of time and as a result, improved the level of secure access by encoding the biometric data to the cards. 

About Us 

Arana Security specialises in Biometric solution, Smart Card technology, Access Control and Surveillance and monitoring systems. Priding ourselves on ensuring full end-to-end security solutions, from design and programming to printing and authentication, we work in close collaboration with clients to deliver a solution that ensures harmony between quality, reliability and cost.

With extensive experience delivering such solutions internationally to public and private sector organisations, we can deliver tailor-made solutions to suit your organisation using the latest in smart technology.

Advancements in Biometric Technology in the Events Sector

The events and entertainment industry is one that will benefit from biometric technologies, such as fingerprint scanners, face recognition and palm scanners, in several different ways. The rapidly advancing biometric technologies are set to reshape the way in which events and planned, marketed and executed. From allowing events organisers to reduce queuing time, increase security, prevent fraud and help the environment.

The appearance of COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on this industry but it has also accelerated the introduction of biometric technology for many larger events venues. Many events venues are looking to put contingency plans in place in order to protect them from the current and future pandemics. This includes using contactless access control, ticketing and payment.

Ticketing

Transforming the ticketing system is one of the easiest solutions for event organisers as the technology is already readily available. Using biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanners, palm readers and face recognition, to gain admission to venues/ events means that physical tickets won’t need to be produced. This has several benefits such as;

  • Attendees can’t lose their tickets or damage them
  • Fake tickets can’t be made and sold
  • Better for the environment as physical tickets will not be needed

The biometric scanners can be teamed with evolving gate technology such as Digicon D-Flow gates.

Check-ins

By using biometric registration the check-in time to venues will be massively reduced and thus reducing the queuing times too. It will reduce the burden on staff that are required to check-in the attendees making the process smoother and more accurate.

Crowd control and access restriction

Using access control solutions in a venue can mean that certain event spaces are restricted for staff only or VIP areas. Such technologies will also give an audit trail, showing who enters the restricted areas.

Crowd analytics

Face recognition/detection will aim to provide emotional and physical profiles to give attendees a better experience. The technology is still being developed but the concepts are already being tested. If organisers can understand how much and what attendees enjoyed about the events, without having to carry out surveys, they can optimise the experience.

Crowd analytics will also help to map the foot traffic which will show the event guest journey. This can be used to make any modifications to the venue or help enhance future experiences at with the event or the venue.

Security

Enhanced security is a major advantage of using biometrics technologies. Access control into and around the venue will give the organisers an advantage. It will help eliminate the use of a fake ID to gain entry. It can also combat the problem of theft if face recognition was used to allow payment for food, beverages and merchandise inside the venue/event, by automatically charging a pre-registered card.

Marketing

By better understanding, the attendee experience through the data collected event organisers can then target their marketing better to the audience that would benefit or enjoy them. More tailored messaging can provide better attendance and higher levels of enjoyment at the events.

All of the above is only possible if the organisers have prior consent from the attendees to both collect and hold their data for processing. At the point of registration when data biometric data should be collected then consent must also be received to ensure GDPR compliance. With data protection regulations being part of the system there are already systems in place to ensure that event organisers can remain compliant and protect attendees rights.

As you can see, biometric technologies will bring mutual benefit for event organisers and attendees by enhancing experiences while improving efficiency and security. While its adoption is still growing it’s a trend that is likely to be accelerated by the current push for more advanced biometric technologies.

How to Shop Safely Online this Christmas Period

Online shopping is expected to take an even bigger slice of the Christmas retail cake this year, in fact, forecasts show that it’s expected more than 30% of all retail purchases in the UK will happen online in 2020, for the first time ever. Although this level of online retail purchasing is not expected to be maintained in 2021. There is an expectation that there will be a fall in online purchasing back to levels recorded previously to the pandemic. Although it is anticipated that the face of online shopping and consumer habits will not be the same again.

The increased use of the internet through 2020, due to the pandemic, has meant a large increase in cybercrime. In fact, the reported incidents of cybercrimes in 2020 is double of that in 2019. The opportunities that are available for criminals to steal both information and money is higher, as globally there is a higher reliance on the use of the internet to work, socialise and shop. It’s estimated that $1.5 trillion is the global cybercriminal revenue annually with 58% of small business being a target of cybercrime. These are some of the ways that are simple and effective to protect yourself online are;

Ensure the website is secure

Look for the little padlock symbol on the URL address bar to show that the website is SSL secure. SSL is a security technology that ensures a secure connection between a server and the web browser. This will ensure that any data you input into a website cannot be intercepted and compromised. You will also notice that SSL secured websites start their URL with HTTPS:// instead of just HTTP://.

\"\"

Up to date anti-virus software

Criminals will attempt to infect devices with malware that can steal your information from your device. It’s crucial to have regularly updated antivirus software on your desktop/laptop. IT professionals consider desktops/laptops to be the most vulnerable devices to cyber threats followed by smartphones and tablets. While email is the main carrier of threats, with 92.4% of malware being sent by email to infect user devices.

Check they have a secure payment gateway

A payment gateway is the equivalent of a card machine at a brick and mortar shop and will ensure each transaction is secure. It allows the merchant site to connect securely to the consumer’s bank and request the transfer of funds to the merchant account.

It also an easy and quick payment process while keeping your data safe as it is not stored or even accessed by the merchant.

Do not carry out transactions when connected to a public Wifi connection.

These connections are not secure and you put yourself at greater risk of having your details stolen. If you really do need to its more advisable to use a VPN service that will better protect you.

Use credit cards

When making larger purchases opt for using credit cards over debit cards as they give you better protection from scams and disputes with merchants.

Think twice before parting with money on a new website that has too good to believe prices as they are much more likely to be a scam. Try to stick to websites you know and when using a new website, perform your due diligence and check out the business and its address to confirm its authenticity.

What is Wearable Technology and what are the concerns?

Wearable technology being any device that is connected to the body in some form to measure or enhance the bodies capability. The 13th century brought the first known wearable device; corrective lenses. And over the next 700 years followed a number of inventions that people use by wearing and some formed the primitive ideas for more modern technology. The modern definition of wearable technology is that it contains a microprocessor and internet connection.

Modern Wearable Technology

The 21st century has been when modern personal technology has boomed. The advances in computer technology paved the way for many devices that we now consider part of our daily lives. In 2002 the new Bluetooth technology opened the door to many further creative solutions and improvements to wearable technology. Over the two decades that have followed saw the connection of an increasing number of wearable technology devices to smartphones, they include;

  • Hearables (e.g. wireless headsets)
  • Smartwatches
  • Fitness &activity trackers
  • Smart clothing
  • Head-mounted devices (VR/AR)
  • Skin patches

While many of the devices are constantly improved and redesigned for aesthetics and performance, one function that is being developed further is the use of biometrics in wearable technology. It\’s now common to have within smartphones sensors that enable fingerprint scanning to be used as a security measure for the phone itself but also for some of our daily functions that take place on the phone such us banking authentication and payment approval. Another type of biometric measure is the information that can be collected about a person relating to their health; heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, sleep data. This information can be used in remote healthcare solutions, where a patient\’s overall health is monitored in their normal environment with them having to come into a clinic/hospital for check-ups. The advantages of such technology will have benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. It won\’t be just the smartwatches and fitness trackers that will become more popular, \’smart\’ clothing will have even better scope to collect biometric data as it\’s worn closer to the skin and covers a wider area. While its already in the market, its expected the advancement in technology and potentially lower costs will over time make it more popular.

The global wearable technology market size is estimated to be at over $32 billion in 2020, and it\’s expected to more than double by 2027. Much of the growth is expected to be driven by IoT and connected devices coupled with an increasingly tech-savvy population, while the advantages are clear to see there are also concerns relating to data privacy.

Wearable Technology Data Privacy

The large volume of data being collected by the devices brings with it the concern of how data is being stored and used by the companies. The way these companies manage their data is crucial as poor data management will potentially lead to the data being breached by a malicious third party. It is crucial for companies to continue to improve both software and hardware to reduce vulnerabilities and increase data security. The other issue that is often a concern is ownership of the data, the privacy policy of the company collecting the data should indicate this. However, most users of the services are unaware of this as the policy is not likely to be read often. The issue of data privacy has yet to be solved and settled, and it is also the issue that can potentially hold back the growth of the market, with some consumer resistance to adopting wearable technology for this reason despite the advantages it brings.

Security integrator serving clients worldwide since 2013. Vendor-agnostic design, certified deployment, single-point support.
Biometric Solutions
Security Systems
Products
About Us
© 2026 Arana Security Ltd Privacy · Terms · Modern Slavery · ISO 9001 LinkedInInstagramFacebook