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TRaining in Secure and PrivAcy-preserving biometricS

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TReSPAsS-ETN (TRaining in Secure and PrivAcy-preserving biometricS)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-01-01 al 2023-12-31

Biometric recognition technology has significantly transformed the landscape of individual identification by moving beyond conventional methods such as tokens or passwords, which can be lost, stolen, or forgotten. This innovative technology relies on unique physiological and behavioural traits for identification purposes.
However, despite the advantages offered by biometric recognition, the technology faces critical challenges that hinder Europe's ability to compete effectively in this domain. Key among these challenges are vulnerabilities related to security and privacy, which pose significant risks to users and systems alike. Additionally, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) within the European Union mandates rigorous privacy protections, setting a high standard for personal data handling.
The urgent need for enhanced security measures for biometric recognition technology, especially in the context of widespread cloud application usage, alongside the stringent privacy requirements set by the GDPR, underscores the necessity for immediate and concerted efforts to address these challenges. Without overcoming the barriers posed by security and privacy vulnerabilities, and by bridging the gap in expertise, Europe risks falling behind in the increasingly critical field of biometric recognition technology.
Operating as a Marie Skłodowska Curie Early Training Network, the TReSPAsS-ETN project aims to enhance privacy and security in biometric technology. The main problem it addresses is the vulnerability of biometric systems to security and privacy breaches, which is important for society as it affects the trust and effectiveness of these technologies. The project seeks to develop innovative solutions that protect against these vulnerabilities without compromising system performance. It emphasises interdisciplinary training and research to advance the state of the art in secure and privacy-preserving biometrics, striving for a balance between security and privacy that complies with GDPR regulations. The overall objective is to foster a new generation of early-stage researchers equipped to lead advancements in biometric technologies, ensuring they are both secure and respectful of privacy and legal standards.
The TReSPAsS-ETN project, initiated in January 2020, has successfully concluded. Throughout its duration, it has made significant contributions to enhancing the security and privacy of biometric systems, advancing the academic and professional development of its participants, and addressing critical challenges in biometric security and privacy. Through its comprehensive approach to research, training, and dissemination, the project has set a strong foundation for future advancements in the field.
Since its start in January 2020, the TReSPAsS-ETN project has engaged in a range of activities resulting in notable progress within the field of biometric security and privacy. The project's journey involved a mix of research and development efforts educational programs and extensive collaborations that led to contributions to both academia and industry.
Throughout its duration, the project focused on strengthening systems against various threats through research and development endeavours. Key outcomes included advancements in biometric authentication methods integrating data with cryptographic protocols and innovative strategies to combat presentation and morphing attacks. These initiatives have laid the groundwork for secure biometric technologies that prioritise privacy while addressing longstanding vulnerabilities.
Education and training were aspects of the project with various events tailored to equip ESRs with essential skills and knowledge. Workshops, summer schools and conferences served as platforms for learning and knowledge exchange emphasising cooperation and hands-on learning experiences. These activities not only supported the project's research goals but also fostered the professional growth of participants.
Additionally, the project facilitated secondments that provided ESRs with valuable opportunities for practical research experiences, across diverse settings. These interactions led to a grasp of the complexities surrounding biometric technologies and their impact on society enriching the quality and importance of the research conducted.
As the project advanced there was an effort to align its course with ethical considerations demonstrating a dedication to complying with GDPR regulations and conducting research responsibly. This ethical perspective ensured that the progress in technologies was not just technically proficient but also socially accountable.
The outcomes of these efforts have been widely. Deliberated within academic and professional circles through an extensive strategy of dissemination and outreach. Publications in journals, presentations at global conferences and contributions to academic publications have all contributed to spreading awareness about the project's discoveries. This comprehensive dissemination initiative has not only showcased the role of the project in enhancing biometric security and privacy but has also highlighted the potential socio-economic advantages of the research.
In essence, the TReSPAsS-ETN project has effectively addressed challenges in advancing security and privacy nurturing a new wave of researchers and encouraging cross-disciplinary cooperation. The results of the project have established a groundwork for future progress in this field representing a significant advancement, in developing secure privacy-preserving biometric technologies.
The TReSPAsS-ETN project has notably advanced beyond the current state of the art in the realms of biometric security and privacy. It has introduced approaches and frameworks that enhance authentication processes integrate biometrics with cryptographic protocols and combat presentation and morphing attacks effectively. Emphasising privacy and ethical considerations ensures compliance with GDPR regulations and societal expectations marking an advancement in responsible biometric system development.
The expected results of the project include the establishment of secure and private biometric systems, which will positively impact digital transactions and communications by fostering trust and reliability. Additionally, the project has been instrumental in nurturing a generation of researchers who are poised to drive future advancements in biometric technology.
The socio-economic implications of the TReSPAsS-ETN project are significant with contributions set to benefit sectors such as finance, healthcare and government. By enhancing the security and privacy of systems the project safeguards sensitive data promotes economic growth and boosts public confidence, in technological progress.
Furthermore, the project's dedication to considering legal and societal impacts guarantees that technological progress is not just groundbreaking but also in harmony, with societal values and legal norms.
Final Workshop - September 2023
Consortium kick-off meeting - January 2020