Biometric devices are playing an increasingly critical role in modern security and authentication. Two important classifications within this field are L0 and L1 biometric devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between these two categories to help you understand their roles and applications.
L0 Biometric Devices
Basic Authentication: L0 devices, also known as Level 0 devices, offer basic biometric authentication. They typically capture biometric data without advanced security features.
Limited Security: L0 devices may not encrypt the captured biometric data, making them less secure for applications that require higher levels of data protection.
Common Uses: L0 devices are often used for simple applications like mobile phone unlock, basic access control, and time and attendance systems.
L1 Biometric Devices
Enhanced Security: L1 devices, or Level 1 devices, provide higher security features. They encrypt biometric data according to specific security specifications, making them more suitable for sensitive applications.
Applications: L1 biometric devices are commonly used in critical areas like Aadhaar authentication in India, blockchain transactions, biometric payment card transactions, and applications requiring stringent security.
Prevent Data Theft: L1 devices aim to prevent unauthorized access to biometric data and are designed to ensure the data’s integrity and confidentiality.
In summary, L0 and L1 biometric devices differ primarily in their security levels. L0 devices offer basic biometric authentication, while L1 devices provide enhanced security through encryption and are suitable for more critical applications. When choosing a biometric device, the decision should align with the specific security needs of the application.
Definitions: L0 L1
L0 and L1 Differences
L0: Level 0 Security
L1: Level 1 Security
Host machine: The Mobile /PC/Laptop on which the biometric scanner is connected
Whitelisting: The process to enter the biometric device detail in the Device provider’s Management server.
Registration: The process by which the UIDAI server identifies the biometric device.
RD service: A software service used to capture the biometric data from the biometric device, and return it to the business application.
Functional Difference between L0 and L1:
Parameters | Level L0 | Level L1 |
Security level | The biometric data captured from the device is encrypted on the host machine (Low security) | The biometric data captured from the device is encrypted inside the biometric device itself. (High security) |
Device feature | Allow to capture the biometric data as per the L0 Security specification by UIDAI. | Allow to capture and encrypt the biometric data as per the L1 Security specification by UIDAI. |
RD service | Capture the encrypted biometric data as per the L1 Security specification by UIDAI Feature: RD service statusDevice info capture | Capture the encrypted biometric data as per the L1 Security specification by UIDAI Feature: RD service statusDevice infoCapture |
Idemia Biometric Device Models (Certified by UIDAI & STQC) | MSO1300E, MSO1300E2, MSO1300E3 | MSO1300E3 RD |
Device Management server URL | https://rdm.smartbioplus.com | https://prod.rdms.co.in/ |
Device whitelisting | Required | Required |
Device registration | Required | Required |
RD service renewal | Required | Required |
Supported platforms | Windows, Android | Capture the biometric data and encrypt as per the L0 Security specification by UIDAI. Feature: RD service statusDevice info capture |
Visible Differences:
For the L0 Devices, the device model written on the back side of the device will be, MSO1300 E3, MSO1300 E2, or MSO1300 E.
For the L1 device, the device model written on the back side of the device will be, MSO1300E3 RD, also for the latest L1 Devices, RDL1 may be written at the bottom of the sticker.
L0 Device L1 Device
