Introduction

Introduction

The term “BIOMETRICS” is derived from the Greek words “bio” (life) and “metrics” (to measure).Biometrics refers to 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.
OK, so what is biometrics and why should we be concerned with them?
Biometrics is best defined as measurable physiological and / or behavioral characteristics that can be utilized to verify the identity of an individual. They include fingerprints, retinal and iris scanning, hand geometry, voice patterns, facial recognition and other techniques. They are of interest in any area where it is important to verify the true identity of an individual. Initially, these techniques were employed primarily in specialist high security applications; however we are now seeing their use and proposed use in a much broader range of public facing situations.
So what was wrong with cards and PIN’s?
PIN’s (personal identification numbers) were one of the first identifiers to offer automated recognition. However, it should be understood that this means recognition of the PIN, not necessarily recognition of the person who has provided it. The same applies with cards and other tokens. We may easily recognize the token, but it could be presented by anybody. Using the two together provides a slightly higher confidence level, but this is still easily compromised if one is determined to do so.
A biometric however cannot be easily transferred between individuals and represents as a unique identifier as we are likely to see. If we can automate the verification procedure in a user friendly manner, there is considerable scope for integrating biometrics into a variety of processes.
What does this mean in practice?
It means that verifying an individuals identity can become both more streamlined (by the user interacting with the biometric reader) and considerably more accurate as biometric devices are not easily fooled.
In the context of travel and tourism for example, one immediately thinks of immigration control, boarding gate identity verification and other security related functions. However, there may be a raft of other potential applications in areas such as marketing, premium passenger services, online booking, and so on where a biometric may be usefully integrated into a given process at some stage. In addition, there are organization related applications such as workstation / LAN access, physical access control and other potential applications.
This does not mean that biometrics is a panacea for all our personal identification related issues. But they do represent an interesting new tool in our technology toolbox, which we might usefully consider as we march forward into the new millennium.