Biometrics has been around since the 1980s. They consist of voice recognition and fingerprint scans. With the increasing number of security breaches, biometrics has become an essential part of security systems. While there are plenty of biometric solutions available, here are the five most popular.
Fingerprints
A fingerprint is comprised of a collection of handprints or a pattern of finger movement. These patterns are then digitally multiplied and matched against a known individual. This process is done using biometrics. A biometric system usually requires a person to register at a hardware or software provider, provide fingerprints or patterns, and then download a digital profile. Some systems do not require this high level of detail and only allow for basic information.
A digital image of an individual is created by running a digitized representation through a template. The template can be any shape, including an oval, square, circle, or any other shape imaginable. This image, however, is matched with a known individual’s fingerprint. When a user accesses the secured site, the system matches their signature to the image in order to authenticate their identity.
This type of technology is used for everything from authentication to key card use. A fingerprint scan at a checkout terminal will allow a customer to gain entry into the store. However, most stores and businesses still utilize a biometric template to determine whether a potential customer is who they say they are. Using a scanned signature makes it impossible to tamper with the digital signatures and increases the chances of authentication.
Fingerprints are collected from many individuals. Fingerprints are collected in public places like banks, bookstores, and convenience stores. Sometimes, private biometrics companies collect fingerprints from applicants as well. Sometimes, employers place employees’ fingerprints through a system for identification at the workplace. There are even some government agencies that use biometrics for identification purposes, such as providing drivers with their identification cards or issuing identification badges.
Facial recognition
Facial recognition biometrics is another type of biometrics. This method of identification requires a device, such as a pen register, or a camera, such as a digital camera, to capture a photo of the person that is being impersonated. When the photo is taken, the information captured in the image is matched with the stored personal information. In recent years, more effort has been made to integrate facial recognition technology with other types of personal identification systems. Biometrics may eventually replace more traditional forms of identification, such as fingerprints and signatures.
Many corporations have taken advantage of using biometrics for access control purposes. An example is Radiology Technology, which provides facial recognition, iris recognition, and fingerprint scanning. They use these technologies in their facilities to verify potential employees’ credentials, as well as their capability to work within the organization. In this manner, employees’ biometrics help to reduce fraudulent use of time and physical resources. Also, as more businesses require employees to work onsite rather than at their homes, such as restaurants and banks, biometric authentication provides additional security measures against theft.
Finally
Biometrics is rapidly gaining in use as a convenient method of access control for businesses and individuals. Increasing numbers of companies and individuals recognize the advantages of using such technologies as a tool to help maintain or prevent unauthorized access to a person’s identity and data. As technology improves, and the costs of storing, keeping up with all the new technologies, and implementing them, will no doubt drive up the cost of implementing this biometric authentication method, it is becoming more common for organizations to rely upon existing, readily available technology for biometric access control. Also, as more industries move toward more personalized services through enhanced technology, like fingerprint recognition or iris recognition, they will look to these solutions for biometric access management.