Evolving Identity Verification: Building from KBA to Biometrics

For years, Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) has played a vital role in identity verification, relying on personal data, like past addresses, loan amounts, or credit inquiries—to confirm a person’s identity. It has provided a structured way to authenticate users, helping organizations establish trust in remote and digital interactions.

Today, newer technologies, such as biometric facial comparison, a dynamic approach that adds an extra layer of security and inclusivity, builds on the promises of KBA to improve identity verification. Biometrics offer a way to strengthen identity verification by directly linking a person to their identity and can be used in place of KBA or added to existing flows depending on your unique needs

The Strengths of KBA and the Case for Biometrics

KBA has offered a familiar, standardized method for verifying identity, particularly in industries where compliance with regulations and historical data checks is essential. However, as fraud tactics grow more sophisticated and personal data becomes more accessible, it’s clear that more advanced safeguards are needed.

Biometric facial comparison introduces  a real-time, dynamic element to the verification process by matching a live selfie video to a government-issued ID. This method improves on  KBA in several ways:

• Real-time presence verification: Ensures the individual is physically present, adding an active layer to identity proofing.
• Higher accuracy rates: Top facial recognition algorithms, as tested by NIST’s Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT), have demonstrated accuracy exceeding 99.5%.
• Impersonation detection: Identifies fraudulent attempts using photos, masks, or deepfakes.
• Greater inclusivity: Works for anyone with a valid government ID, expanding access beyond those with extensive credit histories.
• Alignment with modern standards: Biometrics meet NIST’s identity proofing guidelines, which are becoming the gold standard for secure identity verification.

Embracing a Layered Approach to Identity Verification

Transitioning to biometric verification from KBA is a natural evolution that not only aligns with industry best practices, but enhances security and the user experience. KBA, which can be helpful in establishing identity through knowledge, is improved with biometrics which verifies identity through real-time physical presence.

At Proof, we’ve helped organizations embrace this approach, working with notaries and businesses to introduce biometric verification to digital interactions across the country. As more industries and governments  align with newer standards, phasing out KBA,  biometric verification is becoming an increasingly valuable approach to identity proofing.

The path forward isn’t about discarding existing methods—it’s about strengthening them. By introducing biometric facial comparison, we can create a more secure, seamless, and inclusive identity verification process.

The future of identity verification lies in building upon what works while embracing innovation. Let’s move forward together.