Biometrics Explained

The term 'Biometric' refers to the measuring of unique biological details and patterns found within an individual. Examples: a finger print is a biometric pattern.

History

Biometric authentication has existed for over a century with the introduction of using finger prints as a form of identification in England at the turn of the last century. Since that time a science has developed which specialises in the capturing, storing and sharing of a person's biological data; this is what is referred to as biometric technology.

Advances in the research and development of biometric technology has led to the mass production of biometrically authenticated security systems which can be found on anything from the secured government offices, to individuals personal electronic diaries.

How does it work?

Authentication is granted through the matching of patterns found onor within an individual, with previously recorded data that is protected by complex and sophisticated encryption and morphing.Depending on the form of biometric, these patterns can be almost 100% unique to an individual.

The technology is designed to locate the algorithm associated with the pattern from a live picture or scan, and match it to the de-morphed and decrypted data held either on a database or in a security encoded chip. These systems can be attached to anything, from a door lock to a mobile telephone, credit cards, security passes, or any form of ID cards.

As the biometrics industry, a system of ‘ human-based identification’ and making inroads into the security field, is evolving it is under pressure from misinformation & speculations that produces a number of fallacies and misperceptions. Most misperceptions are based on an element of historical or scientific truth.

Misperceptions

Misperception # One
- is that biometrics is a modern-day idea. This stems from the the Egyptian times, when workers building the great pyramids were identified by their name, their physical size, face shape, complexion and other noticeable features, such as scars.

Misperception # two
- iris recognition use lasers to scan your eyes. Being completely without substance, an iris recognition camera takes a black and white picture from up to 24 inches away and uses non-invasive, near-infrared illumination (similar to a TV remote control).

Misperception # three
- stolen body parts - is also without foundation. Most biometric devices there is an element of detection of life, which measures a number of variables. For example, an eyeball removed from the body will quickly begin to decompose. A severed finger also dies rapidly.

Misperception # four
- Fingerprint technology has been ascribed the inability to enrol or verify the identity of children, or women of Asian descent. The recent advances in imaging have led to greater resolutions being achieved by fingerprint sensors.

Misperception # five
- that fingerprint information captured by a commercial fingerprint system could somehow be used in a criminal investigation. The misunderstanding stems from the way a biometric system typically works in a commercial environment.

Many of the available commercial fingerprint-based systems do not store the entire image of a fingerprint. Information is extracted from the fingerprint to create a mathematical representation or template. The template, in encrypted form, is unable to reconstruct the original fingerprint image,. and is therefore of no use to the police, or indeed a hacker

Some countries however are using full fingerprint and facial images. In the USA this information can and has led to the arrest of more than 500 people.

Misperception # six

- Biometrics technology will not rid the world of evil. Biometric systems are not able to confirm the true identity of a person. They will confirm whether it is the same person that initially enrolled into the system.

Confirmation of a person’s true identity is checking an individual’s official identification documents, including birth certificates or driving licences.

Biometrics can & has played a significant role in fighting organised crime and terrorism. This is because of the holistic information being utilized to check information and secure identity of the individual.

From Misperceptions to Reality

While there are many other misperceptions plaguing the biometric industry, the good news is that the technology has been able to rise above them to claim its place at the security top table. The benefits of the technology have just been too attractive to let unfounded ideas get in the way.

Today’s best biometric systems are saving organisations time and money, and are assisting in the field of security.