Device-based facial authentication and server-based facial authentication are two methods commonly used for authenticating users on mobile devices. While both methods serve the same purpose of verifying a user’s identity, they differ in their approach and functionality.
Device-based facial authentication is a method that relies on the device’s built-in hardware and software to capture and analyze the user’s facial features. When a user sets up facial authentication on their device, the device creates a unique facial template of the user, which is stored locally on the device. This template is then used for subsequent authentication attempts. With device-based facial authentication, the entire authentication process takes place on the device itself, without the need for any external servers or networks.
One of the main advantages of device-based facial authentication is its exclusivity to the device. Since the facial template is stored locally on the device, it cannot be accessed or tampered with by external parties. This enhances the security of the authentication process, as there is no reliance on external servers or networks that may be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
However, device-based facial authentication also has its limitations. Firstly, since the authentication process is exclusive to the device, users may face difficulties if they need to authenticate using a different device. For example, if a user loses their device or upgrades to a new one, they would need to go through the registration process again to set up facial authentication on the new device. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming for users.
Another limitation of device-based facial authentication is that servers would not have knowledge of the user’s true identity. Since the authentication process occurs solely on the device, the server does not receive any information about the user’s facial features or identity. This can pose challenges in scenarios where server-side authentication is required, such as accessing certain online services or platforms.
On the other hand, server-based facial authentication addresses these limitations by relying on external servers to store and process facial data. In this method, the facial data captured by the device is transformed into a Private Key, encrypted, and securely stored on the server-side. The server then uses this Private Key to authenticate the user in subsequent authentication attempts.
One of the standout features of server-based facial authentication, such as the V-Key Smart authenticator, is its enhanced security and user experience. With V-Key facial authentication, the facial data is securely encrypted and stored in the V-Key cloud. This ensures that the user’s facial biometric information is protected from unauthorized access or tampering. Furthermore, users do not need to go through the registration process again if they change their devices or lose their device. The encrypted facial data is already stored in the V-Key cloud, allowing users to simply authenticate with their face again to regain access.
In conclusion, both device-based facial authentication and server-based facial authentication have their pros and cons. Device-based facial authentication provides a secure and exclusive authentication process, while server-based facial authentication offers enhanced security and a seamless user experience. The choice between the two methods ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the users and the applications they are accessing.
