Biometrics

Most of you are probably familiar with the term “biometrics,” but here we’ll discuss the various types of biometric technology, expose a few myths and show you the typical uses biometrics can have. Remember that this is definitely the technology of the future. It’s long been the most secure form of identification, but user acceptance has held it back for quite some time. We’re about to deal with that. 

Fingerprint ID

Perhaps the simplest and most common form of biometric security today is fingerprint technology. The process is quite simple. Your fingerprint is “registered” where the technology is in place, such as a bank or entry door or even your PC. Then when you require entry to a secure facility, for instance, you simply place your finger on the reader, it scans your fingerprint, automatically compares it to its database and allows or prevents entry. One very common use today is with PCs, both desktops and laptops. A fingerprint reader is attached directly to the PC. Your print has been registered, since you are the owner of the security system. When you want to use the computer, you simply place your finger on a small reader and it allows you to use your computer. It also prevents anyone else from doing so. 

DigitalPersona Inc. makes a product called DigitalPersona Pro 3.2 that allows users to log onto Windows networks with a single touch of the fingerprint reader, which then forwards the necessary password to enter. Two other interesting products are made by Silex Technology. One combines smart card technology and biometrics in a product called COMBO-mini. It combines a fingerprint reader with a smart card reader (for cards like SIM cards used in most cellular phones). The portable USB device can be plugged into a computer or any peripheral. You need both the card and the right fingerprint to gain access. Their other product is SecurePrint, which allows a computer user to send a document to a printer but will not print the job until the user places his or her pre-enrolled finger on the fingerprint reader at the printer. 

Let’s dispel one myth right now. I’ve actually heard people say, “If some bad guys really wanted to enter a high-security facility, all they’d have to do is cut off some user’s finger and use it to gain entry.” Well, as ghastly as that sounds, let me assure you that it doesn’t work. The fingerprint reader can sense if it is a “dead” finger, that is, if the finger has been cut off and has no blood circulating through it. There is one problem with fingerprint technology, however, in that it has a high false reject rate.

Palm Prints

Just as your fingerprint is unique, so are your footprint and palm print. Obviously, of course, you cannot use a footprint for access verification, but palm prints are widely used in very secure facilities. It’s simply the same type of situation as a fingerprint reader, only the “recognition screen” is larger. Palm prints are more accurate than fingerprints, don’t reject legitimate users anywhere nearly as often and the technology is often used in government installations. One of the leading U.S. companies in both fingerprint and handprint technology is Recognition Systems. You can find any of the companies mentioned here by doing a Google search.

 Retina Scan

An area that is gaining much more interest lately is retina scanning. Just as a fingerprint or palm print is “registered” into the system, so is your retina. When you want access to a facility, you simply look into a “reader” and it scans your retinas. It isn’t the least bit damaging to your eyes in any way at all. People still are having trouble getting used to it, however. But it is extremely accurate. It’s often difficult to convince users that having your eyes scanned is completely harmless. 

Voice Recognition

This technology also is becoming more common. Your voice is recorded and registered in the access system. When you are attempting to access an area, you simply speak into the microphone. Whether you have a cold or you voice is altered for some other medical reason (like horrendous sinus congestion), the system will still recognize your voice. It is not, however, the best biometric. Most serious applications will use other technology.

The Bottom Line

Probably the best biometric technologies are hand geometry and retinal and/or iris scanning. Face recognition is starting to make some inroads, but the technology is not quite ready. The same goes for ear recognition. It’s a good idea, but not commonly available. One day, perhaps, DNA recognition will be usable. It’s an emerging technology, but has a ways to go yet. For now, those technologies listed above are pretty much what you will see in more secure installations. And remember, it is always possible (and actually frequent) to combine technologies. The use at ONE entrance of a key card, fingerprint scan and then a number-coded keypad will absolutely guarantee tremendous security. It can be worth it!

                                                                     Blackdog                                                                                                         

Take me back to the home page...