Biometrics is identifying a human beings using biological traits. It is replacing traditional security keys like passwords and PINs as a hot commodity in security systems and has become an increasingly critical piece of the puzzle.
Common Biometric Technologies
Fingerprint Recognition: It inspects the patterns present on a person fingerprint.
Facial Recognition – Recognizes persons via facial features.
Iris Recognition – It scans the patterns in the eye iris as unique to each individual.
Speech Recognition: Gives a unique profile of an individual based on several features of their voice.
Hand Geometry: Used for measuring the physical characteristics of a person such as shape and size of the hand.
How Biometrics Work
Biometric Sensor — A characteristic of human biology is measured/recorded
Feature extraction: The data received will have its features extracted and these will be unique.
Generation of Template: A template is generated and safely stored based on the feature acquired.
Verification or Identification: During authentication, the entered biometric data is matched against the template stored.
Benefits of Biometrics
Improved Security: Since biometric authentication is extremely secure and impossible to spoof
User Convenience: The authentication process with a biometric system is seamless and fast.
Less Fraud: We can use biometrics to stop impersonating identity theft and facts.
Enhanced productivity: Biometric authentication is often able to simplify access control and get the necessary work done.
Challenges and Considerations
Privacy Issues: Biometric data is collected and stored, so it raises privacy issues.
2-Accuracy and Reliability: The Biometric systems should be accurate and reliable in order to avoid false positives and false negatives.
Biometric Data Use: The use of the biometrics have ethical implications: surveillance and discrimination.
Future of Biometrics
With the pace technology is advancing, more sophisticated biometric systems will emerge. Further, multi-modal biometrics involving a combination of more than one biometric trait can enhance the level of security and accuracy as well. Also, biometric sensors are increasingly appearing in mobile devices, making them convenient for validating users on the go.
Conclusion
Biometric authentication can be at the cusp of revolution in the way we identify ourselves.
