Biometric Cryptography

Definition ∞ Biometric cryptography combines biological characteristics with cryptographic methods for secure authentication. It employs unique human attributes such as fingerprints or iris patterns to generate or protect cryptographic keys. This approach seeks to enhance security by linking digital access directly to an individual’s physical identity. The system often converts biometric data into a non-reversible format, which then participates in key derivation or verification.
Context ∞ The application of biometric cryptography in digital assets remains a subject of ongoing research and security discussions. While promising enhanced user authentication for wallets and transactions, concerns persist regarding data privacy and the immutability of biometric information. News reports often cover advancements in secure hardware modules or debates about regulatory frameworks for biometric data use in financial systems. Its adoption could significantly alter how users interact with decentralized applications and manage their digital holdings.