Biometrics Basics

Biometrics comprises methods for uniquely recognizing humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. In information technology, in particular, biometrics is used as a form of identity access management and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance.

Biometric characteristics can be divided in two main classes:
Physiological are related to the shape of the body. Examples include, but are not limited to fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, hand and palm geometry, iris recognition, which has largely replaced retina, and odor/scent.

Behavioral are related to the behavior of a person. Examples include, but are not limited to typing rhythm, gait, and voice. Some researcher have coined the term behaviometrics for this class of biometrics.

Strictly speaking, voice is also a physiological trait because every person has a different vocal tract, but voice recognition is mainly based on the study of the way a person speaks, commonly classified as behavioral.

It is possible to understand if a human characteristic can be used for biometrics in terms of the following parameters:

• Universality – each person should have the characteristic.
• Uniqueness – is how well the biometric separates individuals from another.
• Permanence – measures how well a biometric resists aging and other variance over time.
• Collectability – ease of acquisition for measurement.
• Performance – accuracy, speed, and robustness of technology used.
• Acceptability – degree of approval of a technology.
• Circumvention – ease of use of a substitute.

Biometric Technologies Available: -
· Fingerprint
· Iris
· Retina
· Palm Vein Pattern
· Hand Geometry
· Finger Geometry
· Face Recognition
· Voice Recognition

Biometric Technology Adoption Application: -

Biometric Technology Adoption in Very High Risk (Related to social safety): - Nuclear Plants, Mint Bureau, Arms and other.
Biometric Technology Adoption in High Risk Areas (Related to social trust): - Banking, Immigration, Medical Health Care etc.
Biometric Technology Adoption in Low Risk Areas: - Employee Attendance Recording, Office Area Access Control, User Tracking and observation.
Biometric Technology Adoption in Logical Access control Computer Logins, Information Access Control, protect computer network, etc.