Release: Biometric authentication for iOS and Android

Mode is excited to introduce biometric authentication for its mobile apps on iOS and Android.

One of the great features of Mode is that all of your communication data is stored on your device, encrypted in a dedicated container, and password protected upon entry to the app. However, as a communication app, we know how frustrating it can be to enter your password every time you need to enter the app - especially on mobile.

With biometrics, your communication data remains secure while providing easier and more convenient access for you and your team during incident response.

This article will delve into how Mode’s biometric capabilities can assist your incident response (IR) team in transitioning to backup communication channels more quickly and seamlessly.

What is biometric authentication?

Biometric authentication, also known as biometrics, is a security process that uses physical or behavioral characteristics to verify a person's identity.

Traditionally, passwords have been the main form of authentication for devices and applications. However, with advancements in technology and concerns about password security, many companies are now turning to biometric authentication as an additional layer of protection.

Creating a seamless user experience

Traditional password-based authentication can be a hassle, especially for users who need quick access to their accounts at a high frequency - such as with a communication app like Mode. By integrating biometric authentication, Mode aims to provide a platform that meets the highest security standards while also reducing friction for users - so they can focus on recovery.

Let's think about the purpose of deploying a platform like Mode during incident response. IR leaders want to ensure teams are communicating and collaborating on the most time-sensitive and critical tasks needed to recover from an incident.

Enhancing security and trust

Biometric authentication significantly mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to your communication environment. Unlike passwords and PINs, which can be more easily guessed or compromised, biometric traits are unique to each individual and much more challenging to replicate. This feature enhances the likelihood that only authorized users can access the app, adding an additional layer of protection to your IR communication platform.

No more forgotten passwords

If your organization is fortunate enough to avoid major cyber incidents for an extended period, some members of your incident response team may not use Mode regularly. While password managers and identity management platforms exist to help store and retrieve passwords, a significant IT crisis either on your environment or theirs, could render this information inaccessible or compromised.

To address this, Mode is fully isolated from primary environments. By setting your incident response team's Mode apps to employ biometric authentication, you ensure that everyone on your CSIRT can swiftly access their Mode app and begin transitioning communication to the secure channels that Mode offers—effortlessly.

How to set-up biometrics authentication

To enable biometric authentication, your portal administrator must activate this feature in the portal by:

Logging in to your Mode portal.
Going to Settings:
Under Mode app, scroll down to Biometric.
Enable the biometric authentication feature for all users by selecting On.

As a mobile app user, you can turn on biometric authentication on Android or iOS by:

Opening Settings: Tap on the settings button in the lower right corner.
Select Settings in the menu.
Going to the Security tab:
For Android Users: Activate biometrics authentication under ‘Use Fingerprints to Unlock’.
For iOS Users: Activate biometrics authentication under: ‘Use TouchID to Unlock’.

Conclusion

Mode's new biometric authentication feature is more than just a convenient way to access the app; it is a vital feature that empowers IR teams to rely on trusted communication channels during critical incidents.