Ahmed Qaddoura

Posted on Oct 21

Securing Unity Apps with Biometrics Authentication: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's digital landscape, security and user convenience are paramount. As developers, we aim to create applications that not only perform efficiently but also protect user data effectively. Biometrics authentication offers a seamless and secure way to verify user identity using unique biological traits like fingerprints and facial recognition.

If you're developing with Unity and looking to integrate biometrics into your app, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll explore the Biometrics Authentication plugin—a powerful tool that simplifies the integration of biometric authentication into your Unity projects.

📌 What is the Biometrics Authentication Plugin?

The Biometrics Authentication plugin is a paid Unity asset developed by Simple Yet Efficient. Priced affordably at \$4.99, it allows Unity developers to implement fingerprint and facial recognition authentication seamlessly, leveraging the native capabilities of iOS and Android devices.

🌟 Why Use Biometrics Authentication?

Enhanced Security: Biometrics are unique to each individual, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
Improved User Experience: Users can authenticate quickly without remembering complex passwords.
Modernization: Stay ahead by incorporating the latest security features that users expect.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Prerequisites

Unity 2019.4 or later.
Basic knowledge of C# scripting in Unity.

2. Purchasing the Plugin

Acquire the plugin from the Unity Asset Store:

Visit the Biometrics Authentication Asset Store Page.
Click on Purchase and complete the transaction.

3. Importing the Plugin

After purchasing:

Open your Unity project.
Navigate to Window > Package Manager.
In the Package Manager window, log in to your Unity account if required.
Search for Biometrics Authentication in your purchased assets.
Click Download (if not already downloaded) and then Import. After importing, navigate to the 'Samples' tab in Package Manager and import the sample to quickly set up the plugin (optional).

4. Setup and Configuration

After importing, you'll find the plugin in the 'Packages' section under the name BiometricsAuthentication. The plugin is now ready to use!

🛠️ Implementing Biometrics Authentication

Let's dive into how you can implement biometrics authentication in your Unity app.

Step 1: Import the Namespace

In your script, import the biometrics authentication namespace:

Step 3: Authenticating the User

Initiate the authentication process by calling Authenticate\ Method:

using SyE.BiometricsAuthentication;

public class BiometricsTest : MonoBehaviour
{
    void Start()
    {
        Biometrics.Authenticate(
            onSuccess: () => Debug.Log("Authenticated successfully"),
            onFailure: () => Debug.LogError("Authentication failed")
        );
    }
}

🔄 Handling Different Scenarios

Biometrics Not Enrolled

If the user hasn't set up biometrics on their device:

Fallback Authentication

Consider providing a fallback method, such as a PIN or password, for devices that don't support biometrics or for users who prefer not to use them.

🎨 Sample UI Integration

Create a simple UI with a button to trigger authentication:

Create a Button: In your Unity scene, add a UI Button.
Attach Script: Create a new script and attach it to the Button.
Implement Authentication: Use the code from the previous steps within this script.

📱 Testing on Devices

To test biometrics authentication:

Android: Build and run the app on an Android device with fingerprint recognition.
iOS: Build and run on an iOS device with Touch ID or Face ID.

Note: The Biometrics Authentication plugin doesn't support testing device-specific features like biometrics on Windows in Unity's Play Mode, but it does on macOS. You may also test on WebGL using a macOS editor or mobile, but note that Windows support is expected in the future.

🛡️ Best Practices

User Consent: Always inform users why you need biometrics authentication.
Privacy Policy: Update your privacy policy to include biometrics usage.
Error Handling: Provide clear messages and fallback options if authentication fails.

📝 Conclusion

Integrating biometrics authentication into your Unity app enhances security and user experience. With the Biometrics Authentication plugin, the process becomes straightforward, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your app.

Ready to take your app's security to the next level? Give the Biometrics Authentication plugin a try!

🌐 Stay Connected

Unity Asset Store: Biometrics Authentication
Developer: Simple Yet Efficient

If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out through the contact information provided on the Asset Store page.

🙌 Acknowledgments

A big thank you to Simple Yet Efficient for creating this valuable plugin for the Unity community.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, please share it with fellow developers. Let's build more secure and user-friendly apps together!

DEV Community