Seamless Vital Signs-Based Continuous Authentication Using Machine Learning

Reem Alrawili, Evelyn Sowells-Boone, Saif Al-Dean Qawasmeh

Biometric authentication is widely regarded as more secure and reliable than conventional approaches like passwords and PINs. Nonetheless, many current systems rely on active user participation, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, which can disrupt tasks, increase the likelihood of errors, and raise privacy concerns. To address these challenges, this study introduces a continuous, seamless authentication framework that utilizes vital signs for passive identity verification across various activities, including resting, walking, and running. The framework analyzes physiological indicators such as Heart Rate (HR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Skin Temperature, Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), and Breathing Rate to provide zero-effort authentication without requiring user intervention. Multiple machine learning algorithms, including Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, Gradient Boosting, and K-Nearest Neighbors, were implemented and compared to identify the most effective predictive model. The methodology involved data collection, preprocessing, model construction, evaluation, and comparison. Experimental results revealed that the XGBoost Classifier achieved the highest accuracy at 96%. Overall, the proposed framework demonstrates strong reliability, scalability, adaptability, and flexibility, making it suitable for practical deployment. By continuously verifying identity without interrupting user activity, it improves both security and usability, offering a modern and convenient alternative to traditional authentication methods.