The use of an individual’s biometric characteristics to advance authentication and verification technology beyond the current dependence on passwords has been the subject of extensive research for some time. Since such physical characteristics cannot be hidden from the public eye, the security of digitised biometric data becomes paramount to avoid the risk of substitution or replay attacks. Biometric systems have readily embraced cryptography to encrypt the data extracted from the scanning of anatomical features. Significant amounts of research have also gone into the integration of biometrics with steganography to add a layer to the defence-in-depth security model, and this has the potential to augment both access control parameters and the secure transmission of sensitive biometric data. However, despite these efforts, the amalgamation of biometric and steganographic methods has failed to transition from the research lab into real-world applications. In light of this review of both academic and industry literature, we suggest that future research should focus on identifying an acceptable level steganographic embedding for biometric applications, securing exchange of steganography keys, identifying and address legal implications, and developing industry standards.

The world is on the verge of a technological evolution that will revolutionize Internet access across the globe using direct device-to-satellite links. Such direct global connectivity brings with it an opportunity for the medical community to have a new framework for the secure transmission of confidential personal medical information as well as clinical systems data. Such a framework has the potential to connect developed-country expertise with less-advanced health services in developing countries, remote communities, patients’ homes, or in disaster zones. This paper explores this emerging concept along with potential communication advancements in medical equipment and presents a conceptual view of implementing ever-demanding health-care services that can benefit the global population. Further, the paper elaborates upon cyber security challenges to digital health-care services. We provide evidence on the need to improve or develop encryption and hashing algorithms and how it can help meet the cyber security challenges faced by key stakeholders for e-Health. This will ensure fast, reliable and effective health-care services for both developing economies as well as remote locations in developed countries.