Clear DefinitionsBiometric Binding
1 min read
Pronunciation
[bye-oh-meh-trik bahyn-ding]
Analogy
Think of biometric binding as tying your fingerprint to a safe deposit box key—only that fingerprint can unlock the box.
Definition
The process of securely linking a user’s biometric template to their identity or cryptographic credentials.
Key Points Intro
Biometric binding ensures that biometric readings correspond to a specific identity or keypair.
Key Points
Template extraction: Convert scan to encrypted template.
Secure storage: Keep templates in TEE or secure element.
Matching protocol: Compare live scan to stored template.
Revocation: Define processes for lost or compromised biometrics.
Example
A hardware wallet uses Secure Enclave to bind the user’s fingerprint to the private key unlock function, preventing key export without matching biometrics.
Technical Deep Dive
During enrollment, raw biometric data is processed into feature vectors, hashed, and sealed by TEE. Binding uses a cryptographic protocol—often hashing with salt and device‑unique keys. On authentication, the TEE compares incoming feature vectors to the sealed template. Zero‑knowledge proofs can be used for on‑chain verification without revealing templates.
Security Warning
If a biometric template is exfiltrated, it cannot be changed like a password; use revocable biometric tokens or multi‑factor binding.
Caveat
Biometric traits are permanent; plan for template compromise with fallback identity proofing.
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