Biometrics

1. Biometrics

2. What is BIOMETRICS? • How does Biometrics Work? • What are the different types of Biometrics? • Who uses Biometrics and why? • What are the moral, ethical, and legal aspects? • What are the benefits and disadvantages of Biometrics?

3. Biometrics is the science and technology of measuring and analyzing biological data. In information technology, biometrics refers to technologies that measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as DNA, fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand measurements, for authentication purposes. Biometric devices, such as fingerscanners, consist of: A reader or scanning device Software that converts the scanned information into digital form and compares match points A database that stores the biometric data for comparison

4. Types of Biometrics • Fingerprint Recognition • Solution based on Physiological factors • Typically used by Police, Immigration • Iris Recognition • Solution based on Physiological factors • Typically used in private security/increasingly used with law enforcement • Face Recognition • Solution based on Physiological and Behavioral factors • Used private, public such as airports, public throughfares • Hand Geometry Recognition • Solution based on Physiological factors/Geometry on Hand • Used Privately, Government, growing media

5. Person is required to be physically present to gain access • Biometric techniques eliminate the need to carry PIN’s, ID cards, Tokens • High Security Applications may require more than one Biometric system at once, these are called “Multimodal Biometric Systems” • Replacing time punch cards with a Biometrics system can ensure employee is present as well as time-stamp • Can’t lose finger, face, voice, eye very easily or leave them at home • Voice recognition allows for positive identification over telephone Advantages over traditional methods

6. The biggest concern regarding the use of Biometrics is the issue of violation of privacy. People who are subjected to a biometrics scan or reading generally feel that such procedures are physically invasive, especially if they involve reading of body parts. • Another concern is the issue of information security. Biometric readings are often stored in a database that can be accessed by the employer or government agency. Questions have been raised regarding the use of information obtained through biometric systems. Such information may include very private information such as medical histories and bank accounts. • Since biometric technology is so new, there are very few laws that specifically address its use and application. Legal Issues Related to the Use of Biometrics

7. Biometric identification systems are commonly used when granting or denying access to secured areas or information. Biometric technology is also commonly used for: • Immigration- confirming the identity and immigration status of a particular alien (the Secure Communities Program uses fingerprint technology to identify and deport certain classes of illegal aliens) • National security concerns- identifying potential terrorists • Various health service applications- for example, accessing records, maintaining medical files, storing pharmaceutical and medical histories, etc. What Purposes are Biometric Systems Being Used For?

8. The solutions only needs for the user to possess a minimum of require user knowledge and effort. A biometric solution with minimum user knowledge and effort would be very welcomed to both the purchase and the end user. But, keep in mind that at the end of the day all that the end users care about is that their computer is functioning correctly and that the interface is friendly, for users of all ability levels. The Biometric Question