Russia Will Expand the Use of Biometrics for Cybersecurity
The government wants to use biometrics more broadly — from fingerprints to facial recognition — to keep citizens safer as digital fraud grows
A Push for Stronger Digital Defenses
Russia is preparing new legislation that will significantly expand where and how biometric data can be used to protect citizens from cybercriminals. The initiative was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko during an interview on the national TV channel “Russia-1.”
According to Grigorenko, cybercriminals primarily target digital access codes — the weakest link in most authentication systems. Biometric data, on the other hand, is nearly impossible to steal remotely, making it a much more secure method of verifying identity.
He emphasized that the use of biometrics in Russia remains voluntary, but the government is working on legal frameworks that will allow these technologies to be adopted more widely across high-risk sectors.
Why Biometrics Matter Right Now
As digital services expand, so do the schemes of fraudsters. Russia, like the rest of the world, is facing increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks that target citizens directly through phishing, call-center scams, and account takeovers.
Broader implementation of biometric authentication could help close these vulnerabilities. Unlike passwords or codes, biometric identifiers cannot be guessed, leaked, or socially engineered.
Today in Russia, biometric systems are already used for:
- Contactless payments
- Transportation access and ticketing
- Government and banking services
Next in line is the education sector: biometric access for schools is expected to roll out soon, giving students and staff a more secure and streamlined entry system.
Convenience Meets Security
The government’s move aligns with the broader global trend of shifting away from traditional authentication. As Russia strengthens its national cybersecurity strategy, biometrics are poised to become a central tool — not only enhancing security but simplifying everyday digital interactions.
The planned legal updates aim to support this transition by formalizing how biometric data can be collected, stored, and used, ensuring that expanded adoption does not compromise user privacy or trust.
