In a step that could end the agony of remembering passwords, American researchers have developed an innovative security system based on vibrations from breathing and heartbeat as a unique means of logging in without the need for passwords.
According to the magazine "Newsweek", the system, developed by researchers from Rutgers University, is called "VitalID" and works by capturing low-frequency vibrations naturally produced by breathing and heartbeats, which travel through the neck to the skull. There, they affect its shape and thickness, as well as the muscles and fat on the face, creating a unique pattern for each person, making it a biometric fingerprint that is difficult to replicate.
If this technology is commercially adopted, it will enable users of extended reality (XR) devices to access financial platforms, medical records, and other systems without the need for actual login.
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that merges real and virtual worlds through technology and includes augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies.
"In this work, we present the first verification system that is easy to use and integrated into extended reality technology, based on the harmonics of vibrations caused by users' biometrics," said study author and engineering professor Ying Chen in a statement. "This system requires no effort from the user."
The study was based on data from 52 users who wore extended reality glasses for 10 months. The results showed that the system can recognize users with over 95% accuracy.
This technology comes at a time when the use of extended reality technologies is expanding in multiple fields such as medicine, education, and remote work, increasing the need for advanced security solutions.
Extended reality systems go beyond gaming to include various other sectors, such as finance, medicine, education, and remote work, where security is of paramount importance.
"Extended reality will play a pivotal role in our future," said Chen. "And if it becomes part of our daily lives, the verification system must be secure and easy to use."
