How your body will be your password

Use your pulse as your password? —

The rise of social media and mobile devices mean businesses are more vulnerable to hacking. In a bid to keep information secure, a new wave of body-centric devices are replacing passwords. The Nymi, pictured, authenticates identity by measuring your heartbeat.

Courtesy of Bionym

The Nymi —

Created by biomentrics technology company Bionym, The Nymi has a built-in sensor that detects the unique electrical pulse produced by your heartbeat. "By using this type of technology, we can establish a very high level of trust because it's so closely tied to the body," says Kevin Martin, CEO and founder of Bionym.

Courtesy of Bionym

Myris —

Unveiled in 2014 by eyeLock -- an iris-based identity technology company -- Myris is a palm-size device that scans the unique features of your eye.

courtesy of eyeLock

Myris —

Fitted with a small mirror and camera, the Myris is able to scan the unique colors and vein patterns in your iris. Storing this information within its hardware, the Myris is able to identify its user accurately. EyeLock even claims that the device cannot be fooled by a video or photograph of your eye.

courtesy of eyeLock

Quixter —

Using palm vein recognition, Quixter identifies users by scanning vein patterns with an infrared light. Quixter only works when blood is flowing through the veins, so there's no need to worry about someone cutting your hand off.

Kalle Elmér

LaunchKey —

An identity and access management platform for the "post-password era," LaunchKey is part of a wave of mobile-based authentication apps that do away with passwords -- most of which are tied to personal information.

courtesy of launchkey

LaunchKey —

The launchKey app allows for password-free login capabilities on your mobile phone, allowing users to access websites and applications by simply swiping the mobile phone interface. Security is provided by the simple fact that the mobile phone is in your possession -- a key deterrent for hackers.

Courtesy of LaunchKey

Adios to fingerprints? —

In light of these more secure developments, it looks as though fingerprint identification will be a thing of the past. Seeing as our fingerprints are left on a variety of surfaces on a day-to-day basis, iris scanners and heartbeat monitors could be a promising alternative.

courtesy of Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Barclaycard bPay —

While identity authentication is becoming more secure, many companies are looking to streamline transactions. Barclaycard's bPay wristband does away with PIN numbers and credit cards, allowing wearers to make contactless payments for items under £20 ($30).

courtesy of bpay

EE Cash on Tap —

Does your phone double up as a travel card? Digital communications company EE announced in 2014 that customers can use their mobile devices to travel on London bus routes.

EE