 TITLE: How Can Biometrics Protect Your Identity? CONTENT: How to Protect Biometric Data From Theft\n----------------------------------------\nWhile biometrics can go a long way to protect your personal information, you still need to be vigilant when using this technology. Hackers are always looking for ways to obtain your sensitive information, so no matter how secure or innovative a technology, it's always good to stay on your toes.\nHere are a few tips to stay secure when using biometrics:\n*   **Keep your software updated.** If you use biometric verification on one of your devices, make sure to always keep your software up to date. Software may be continually updated not only to add new features but to address bugs or security vulnerabilities. While you may not know those bugs existed, hackers do, and a recently released update may have already fixed them. Keeping your software up to date can help protect your device from being compromised.\n*   **Always be aware of who is collecting your biometric data.** No matter how you are using biometrics, you'll always want to know who is storing this information. As with any personal data, you'll want your biometric data to be stored safely and securely.\n*   **Opt out if you don't want to use biometrics.** If you're concerned by how your biometric data may be used, you may be able to avoid it entirely by opting for another identity verification method. Apple, for example, allows users to easily opt out of its Face ID facial scan biometrics feature and instead use a conventional password. This may not be an option with everything, but it doesn't hurt to check.\nAs always, if you're worried about protecting your personal information, consider enrolling in Experian's identity theft monitoring, which scans the web and alerts you if it finds that your information has been compromised. END