Selling biometric data: the risks no one tells you about

Would you trust a stranger with your house key? Now, consider that your biometric data (your fingerprint, your face, or the iris of your eyes) is like that key. Unlike a password, which can be changed, this information is unique and permanent. And if it is compromised, there is no way to change it. This threat is no longer a distant risk, but a growing reality. According to a report by the Government's Center for Prevention, Treatment and Response to Cyber Incidents (CTIR Gov), Brazil recorded more than 4,000 data breaches in 2024, a significant increase compared to the 906 cases in 2023. Among this data, biometric information is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, who trade fingerprints, facial patterns, and irises on the black market. Not surprisingly, 60% of Brazilians are hesitant to provide their biometric data, especially to banks and government agencies, according to research by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br). And this concern is justified: unlike a credit card, you can't simply cancel your biometrics and generate a new one. But why is this data so coveted? How do the clandestine markets that exploit it work? And, more importantly, how can we protect our digital identity in this scenario? Throughout this article, we will explore the invisible risks of the commercialization of biometric data, how criminals use this information, and what the best strategies are to ensure your digital security.

Cybersecurity April 1, 2025 23 min read By: Skyone

1. Introduction

Would you trust a stranger with your house key? Now, consider that your biometric data (your fingerprint, your face, or the iris of your eyes) is like that key. Unlike a password, which can be changed, this information is unique and permanent. And if it is compromised, there is no way to change it .

This threat is no longer a distant risk, but a growing reality. According to a report by the Government's Center for Prevention, Treatment and Response to Cyber Incidents (CTIR Gov) , Brazil recorded more than 4,000 data breaches in 2024, a significant increase compared to the 906 cases in 2023. Among this data, biometric information is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, who trade fingerprints, facial patterns, and irises on the black market.

Not surprisingly, 60% of Brazilians are hesitant to provide their biometric data, especially to banks and government agencies , according to research by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) . And this apprehension is justified: unlike a credit card, you can't simply cancel your biometrics and generate a new one.

But why is this data so coveted ? How do the clandestine markets that exploit it work? And, more importantly, how can we protect our digital identity in this scenario?
Throughout this article, we will explore the invisible risks of the commercialization of biometric data, how criminals use this information, and what are the best strategies to guarantee your digital security.

Enjoy your reading!

2. Biometric data: why is it so valuable?

In an increasingly digital world, biometrics has become a key element in data and identity security. Its popularity stems from the fact that biometric data offers a much higher level of protection than traditional passwords. However, this same exclusivity that makes them so efficient also makes them one of the most sought-after targets for cybercriminals.

Today, governments, banks, and technology companies depend on biometrics . At the same time, the black market that trades this information is growing rapidly. And there's a reason for that: biometric data cannot be replaced , making it even more valuable for those seeking to defraud authentication systems.

But why are these data considered "digital passwords"? And what happens if they are compromised? Let's find out below.

2.1. “Digital passwords”: what are they?

Unlike numeric codes and alphanumeric passwords, which can be reset if leaked, biometric data are unique and permanent characteristics of our bodies . This means they function as digital access keys —you can't forget them, but you also can't change them if they are compromised.

This authentication method is widely used in:

Banks and fintechs , for login and authorization of financial transactions;
Smartphones and electronic devices , such as fingerprint unlocking or facial recognition;
Physical access control in companies, airports, and sensitive facilities.

This model promises greater security and convenience, but its immutability also represents a critical risk .

2.2. The risk of immutability and biometric cloning

If a password is leaked, you can simply change it. But what if your biometrics are compromised?

Therefore, the biggest challenge of biometric authentication lies precisely in its immutability. When data such as your iris or fingerprint are cloned, they can be used for fraud, digital espionage, and even unauthorized monitoring .

Reports indicate that cybercriminals are already able to replicate fingerprints from high-resolution photos. Furthermore, deepfake are also evolving rapidly , allowing criminals to bypass facial recognition systems to access bank accounts and personal information.

This means that, without advanced protection measures , this technology, which should be an extra layer of security, could become an irreversible vulnerability.
The adoption of biometrics has expanded rapidly in recent years as a security solution , but this advancement has brought with it a new challenge : what happens when this data falls into the wrong hands?

In the next section, we explore how criminals capture and trade biometric data on the black market.

3. The black market for biometrics and its dangers

Biometric data is presented as an innovative and secure solution for digital authentication. However, its popularization has brought with it a problem : the criminal exploitation of this information. Unlike conventional passwords, which can be changed if leaked, biometric data is permanent . This means that, once compromised, there is no way to replace it, making it a highly valuable asset for cybercriminals.

In recent years, a structured black market has emerged on the dark web , where fingerprints, facial patterns, and iris scans are stolen, traded, and used for fraud. This illicit trade not only exposes individuals to financial scams and identity theft, but also poses risks to companies and even governments , whose systems can be hacked and citizens monitored without consent.
How is this data obtained? Who buys it? What are the implications of this illegal market for society? That's what we'll explore next.

3.1. How criminals obtain and sell this data

Biometric data cannot be stolen in the same way as passwords or ordinary banking information. Because they are unique and unalterable characteristics of the human body, criminals need more sophisticated methods to obtain and exploit them. The main attack vectors include massive database leaks, social engineering, malware , and the evolution of deepfakes spoofing techniques .

Database leaks are currently the main gateway to the clandestine biometric market. Companies and public institutions that store millions of biometric records become constant targets of hacker , which invade systems and steal information from clients and citizens. Internationally , the case of Suprema, a security company that stored biometric access for protected systems, exemplifies the impact of these attacks. In a single leak, 27.8 million biometric records were compromised .

Another effective method for stealing biometrics is social engineering . In this type of scam, victims are tricked into voluntarily providing their data without realizing they are being deceived . Fraudulent apps, emails , and even social media filters can be used to capture facial or digital patterns of unsuspecting users. Cybercriminals also exploit the popularization of facial recognition to deceive people with scams that request "identity verification" on behalf of banks or online .

With the advancement of deepfakes and spoofing , identity theft has become even more sophisticated. Advanced techniques allow for the recreation of faces and voices , enabling criminals to impersonate others and deceive security systems. According to an article in the newspaper El País , cases of non-consensual pornography using deepfakes double every six months, and fraud related to this technology increased tenfold between 2022 and 2023. These advancements represent a considerable challenge for security systems that rely on biometric authentication.
Once obtained, this data is sold on the dark web . The value of stolen biometrics varies according to the quantity and quality of the leaked information. In marketplaces , criminals can buy cloned fingerprints for between US$5 and US$100 , while complete biometric profiles (including face, iris, and fingerprints) can be acquired for up to US$500 . This data is then used for bank fraud, account hacking, creating fake identities, and even espionage operations.

3.2. Risks for individuals, businesses and governments

The illegal trade in biometric data doesn't only affect the victims whose information has been stolen: its impacts extend to companies and even governments. The damage can be irreversible, generating financial losses, reputational damage, and even compromising national security .

For individuals, biometric theft means perpetual vulnerability , allowing criminals to use this data for years. For companies, the impact is equally severe: biometric data breaches can result in multimillion-dollar fines, lawsuits, and loss of credibility . When customers discover that their data has been compromised due to security flaws in the company, trust in the brand is severely shaken.
In the case of governments, the vulnerability of biometric databases can compromise national security. If criminals or malicious groups gain access to state databases, it can set a precedent for massive fraud in official documents, identity theft, and even government espionage.

3.3. Mass surveillance and privacy violations

In many countries, facial recognition and behavioral analysis systems are being implemented without transparency , allowing governments and corporations to monitor the population without their explicit consent.

The lack of adequate regulation allows companies to collect and store user biometrics without clear criteria. A study by Privacy International revealed that several large companies use biometric data for consumer behavior analysis without users being fully aware of it. In the United States, cases of misuse of facial recognition for access control in stores and events have raised questions about who has the right to capture and store such sensitive information.

Furthermore, there are risks associated with the prolonged storage of this information. As we have seen, unlike bank details or email , biometric data cannot be altered if a system is compromised. This means that if a government or corporate database is "hacked ," millions of people could be permanently vulnerable.

On the other hand, the discussion about biometric surveillance is not limited to public safety. The massive collection of data can be used for behavioral profiling, influencing decisions such as credit granting, job opportunities, and even political monitoring . The absence of clear rules opens a dangerous precedent, transforming biometrics into a tool of social control instead of a security mechanism.
Thus, the question is: to what extent does the adoption of biometrics for security justify the loss of privacy?

3.4. Regulations and penalties (GDPR, LGPD, CCPA)

Given the growing risks involved in the collection and misuse of biometrics, different legislations around the world are attempting to impose stricter guidelines to prevent abuse . However, the application of these rules still faces challenges, especially in light of the advancement of counterfeiting technologies and the lack of global standardization.

The European Union , through the GDPR ( General Data Protection Regulation), establishes that biometric data is sensitive personal information . This means that companies and governments can only collect biometrics if there is a legitimate justification and explicit consent from the user. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 4% of the company's annual global turnover or €20 million (whichever is greater). Several corporations have already been penalized for failures in biometric protection, reinforcing the importance of compliance.

In Brazil , the LGPD (General Data Protection Law) follows principles similar to those of the GDPR, requiring transparency in the collection, storage, and sharing of biometric data. However, its enforcement remains a challenge , and cases of biometric data breaches do not always result in severe penalties, raising doubts about the law's effectiveness in practice.

In the United States , the CCPA ( Privacy Act ) gives consumers in the state the right to know what biometric data is being collected by companies and to request its deletion . Furthermore, the law imposes restrictions on sharing this information without explicit authorization. The problem, however, is that the CCPA applies only to California , leaving millions of Americans without robust federal legislation to protect their biometric data.

Even with these regulations, biometric protection still faces considerable challenges. The main obstacles include:

Difficulty of monitoring : many biometric data breaches occur on clandestine networks, making it difficult to hold criminals accountable;
Lack of global standardization : multinational companies have to deal with different laws around the world, making it difficult to apply unified data protection policies;
Evolution of biometric forgery techniques : technologies such as deepfake and spoofing are advancing faster than the laws can keep up with, leaving loopholes for increasingly sophisticated fraud.

Given this scenario, it is clear that regulations alone are not enough. Therefore, adopting best practices in digital protection and advanced security technologies is essential to mitigate risks and prevent this data from being exploited by criminals.
In the next section, we will explore the main strategies for protecting biometric data, from consent and encryption to enterprise solutions for strengthening security. Stay tuned!

4. Best practices for protecting your biometric data

The increasing digitalization of social and commercial interactions has driven the use of biometric data for authentication, security, and identification. However, protecting this information remains a challenge.

Below, we discuss key best practices for protecting biometric data, considering regulatory, technological, and strategic aspects.

4.1. Consent and transparency in data collection

Biometric security begins even before storage. Companies and organizations need to adopt clear consent and transparency policies, ensuring that users understand exactly how their data is being collected, stored, and used.

Check out best practices for secure biometric data collection:

Informed and explicit consent : people must be clearly notified about the purpose of the data collection and must actively authorize the use of their data;
Specific purpose : biometric data should only be collected for clearly defined purposes, and the user needs to know exactly why and how their information will be used;
Right of revocation and deletion : users should have the right to request the removal of their biometric data from a system if they no longer wish to use it;
Prohibition of improper sharing : biometric data cannot be reused for other purposes or sold to third parties without the user's explicit authorization.

To give a practical example, in 2019, the company Clearview AI was sued for collecting facial images of internet users without their consent to create a facial recognition database used by law enforcement agencies and private companies . This case generated global concerns about the indiscriminate use of biometrics and resulted in several lawsuits.

4.2. Importance of robust cryptography

Even if an organization follows best practices for biometric data collection, if this data is not stored and transmitted securely , the risk of leakage remains high.

Key encryption technologies for biometric protection include:

End-to-end encryption : ensures that biometric data remains protected both during storage and transmission;
"Tokenization" : replaces sensitive information with unique identifiers that cannot be reverted to the original information;
Homomorphic encryption : allows processing biometric data without needing to decrypt it, reducing security vulnerabilities;
Decentralized storage ( edge computing ) : divides data across different servers to minimize damage in case of a breach.

Another practical example: in 2024, the Civil Police investigated a possible attack on facial recognition systems in condominiums in the interior of São Paulo , where residents' data, including facial images, may have been exposed. The incident highlights the need for robust security measures, such as encryption, to protect biometric data.

4.3. More recommendations from biometric security experts

Biometric security requires a structured approach that combines governance strategies, advanced technology, and regulatory compliance. Global consultancies and cybersecurity experts, such as PwC , Deloitte , Accenture , and KPMG , highlight best practices for minimizing risks and ensuring the protection of biometric data.

Below, we present the most relevant from these experts:

Risk mapping and management:
Before implementing security measures, it is essential to understand where and how biometric data is stored and processed;

Create a detailed inventory of biometric data within the organization;
Assess which points in the system represent risks and require mitigation;
Define restricted access protocols, ensuring that only authorized users handle this data.

Governance and compliance policies:
Companies must ensure that their biometric security practices are aligned with national and international regulations;

Establish clear internal guidelines regarding the collection, storage, and use of biometric data;
Ensure compliance with laws such as LGPD, GDPR, and CCPA;
Conduct periodic audits to verify compliance with regulations and avoid penalties.

Security technologies for biometrics:

As we have already seen, it is important to implement end-to-end encryption and the use of tokenization;
Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to detect suspicious patterns and fraud;
multi-factor authentication (MFA ), combining biometrics with other security factors.
Continuous monitoring and rapid incident response:

Even with preventative measures, security incidents can happen. Monitoring and structured response plans are essential
Implement real-time detection systems to identify suspicious activities;
Create an incident response plan, ensuring a swift reaction in case of a data breach;
Conduct regular tests and simulations, preparing the team to respond quickly to attacks.

Education and awareness:

Human error remains one of the main drivers of data breaches. Companies should invest in training their employees
Train internal teams and partners on best practices for biometric protection;
Create awareness campaigns, reinforcing the importance of digital security;
Apply social engineering tests, identifying vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Companies that follow these practices not only protect their users, but also ensure regulatory compliance, market trust, and resilience against cyber threats.

4.4. Companies and solutions in the line of defense

The growing concern about the security of biometric data requires organizations to implement advanced solutions to protect this information against cyber threats. Several specialized companies offer technologies that guarantee defense in depth, robust encryption, and continuous monitoring, minimizing the risks of attacks and leaks.

Among the main players cybersecurity market Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks stand out for their solutions that protect networks, data, and critical infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats. Check out more details about what each of these companies offers.

Fortinet – Integrated security for complex environments:

Their next- firewall (NGFW ), called FortiGate , provides advanced traffic inspection, blocking threats before they reach sensitive systems, such as biometric databases;
Their solutions are widely used in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, due to their ability to integrate security and high performance
Using artificial intelligence and predictive analytics technologies, the company provides proactive protection against malware , ransomware , and targeted attacks.

Palo Alto Networks – Artificial intelligence and advanced protection:

Their line of next-generation firewalls
The company adopts the Zero Trust , essential for environments that handle sensitive biometric data, as it limits unauthorized access and reinforces security at multiple levels;
In addition to firewalls , Palo Alto offers SASE ( Service Edge ), an approach that combines cloud protection with continuous threat analysis, ideal for companies working with biometrics on distributed platforms.

The increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands that biometric security go beyond conventional protection . Companies like those mentioned play a key role in offering advanced security solutions to protect networks, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data.

However, protecting biometric data depends not only on firewalls and network monitoring: it also requires innovative approaches that combine anonymization techniques, enhanced authentication, and mathematical modeling to reduce risks and ensure privacy.
Below, we will understand what these advanced technological solutions , which help protect biometric information without compromising its effectiveness and reliability .

5. Technological solutions for biometric security

Protecting biometric data requires advanced solutions to ensure privacy, accuracy, and resistance to fraud . In response to this need, various technologies are being developed to minimize vulnerabilities and strengthen the security of biometric authentication. Below, we highlight some of the most relevant:

Fuzzy Matching – Minimizes counterfeits :

It allows for flexible comparison between biometric data, reducing false positives and negatives;
It improves the accuracy of facial and fingerprint recognition by adapting to small natural variations in users;
It makes counterfeiting attempts more difficult by requiring more consistent standards for authentication.
Differential Privacy – Protects without compromising individual information :

It introduces mathematical noise into biometric data, preventing the extraction of specific personal information;
It enables the secure use of biometric databases without exposing the identity of individuals;
It complies with privacy regulations such as LGPD, GDPR, and CCPA, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Liveness Detection – Real-time fraud identification :

It uses AI to detect signs of life, blocking authentication attempts with photos, videos, or deepfakes ;
It analyzes involuntary movements, such as skin texture, light reflection in the eyes, and microexpressions;
Essential for facial recognition and fingerprint systems that are more resistant to attacks.

Zero Trust Architecture – Access based on multiple verifications :

It follows the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring continuous authentication on every access point;
It reduces internal risks by ensuring that no user or device has unrestricted access to biometric systems;
It integrates multiple layers of security, such as multi-factor authentication and constant monitoring.

These solutions play a very important role in strengthening biometric security, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected against fraud and unauthorized access.

6. Skyone: biometric security in the cloud

At Skyone , we understand the importance of protecting biometric data in an increasingly challenging digital landscape. That's why we offer integrated solutions that combine robust security and practicality , ensuring the integrity of our clients' information.

Our main services include:

Secure cloud migration and management : We facilitate the transition and management of your systems to the cloud, ensuring that biometric data is protected through secure and scalable infrastructures.
Unified Authentication (SSO ) single credential, simplifying access and strengthening security against unauthorized access.
Advanced encryption and customized backup : We use end-to-end encryption techniques to protect data during transmission and storage. In addition, we offer backup , ensuring efficient data recovery in case of incidents.
Continuous monitoring and incident response : Our real-time monitoring tools detect suspicious activity, enabling rapid responses and mitigation of potential threats to biometric data.

We are committed to providing our clients with solutions that not only meet current security needs but also adapt to future technological demands. Our proactive approach ensures that your biometric data is always protected against emerging threats.
If you are looking to strengthen the security of your biometric data and want to implement effective cloud solutions, contact us Skyone team is ready to understand your specific needs and offer the best strategies to protect your information.

7. Conclusion

Biometrics has revolutionized digital security, offering practicality and reliability in identity authentication. However, as we explore in this article, these advances also bring significant risks , especially when biometric data is targeted for leaks, cloning, and illegal trading.

The growth of the black market for biometrics highlights the urgency of robust protection measures for companies and individuals . Governments and organizations must strengthen their security policies, adopting advanced technologies, encryption, multifactor authentication, and continuous monitoring. Regulations such as LGPD, GDPR, and CCPA are essential, but they need to be accompanied by effective governance and compliance .
Therefore, biometric security is not an isolated challenge. It is necessary to invest in cloud solutions that guarantee scalable and intelligent protection , combining secure infrastructure, advanced encryption, and active monitoring against cyber threats.

Want to learn more about data protection and compliance? Check out our article “The importance of data governance for LGPD compliance ,” where we discuss strategies to align your organization with legal requirements and effectively protect sensitive information.

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