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Biometrics Technology

By

• Usman Haider

• Ahmad M. Nawaz

Three main types of authentication available today are:

• Something that you know, like a password, PIN, pattern or code.

• Something you have, like a swipe card, smart card, token or key.

• Something you are, which is biometrics.

What is a biometic?

Biometrics

Is the term given to the use of biological traits

OR

Behavioral characteristics to identify an individual.

Characteristics

The common physical characteristics are:

• Fingerprint

• Face

• Retina

• Iris

• Vein pattern, and

• Hand and finger geometery

Characteristics

Behavioral characteristics are:

• Keystroke dynamics

• Voice

• Gait, and

• Signature dynamics

Importance of Biometrics

• The security is needed in every place.

• Using biometrics systems can alleviate the existing problems with current methods of identification, like those which can be taken, stolen, borrowed or even forgotten.

• Improves convenience, security and privacy.

Physical Characteristics

Fingerprint Recognition:

• Fingerprint recognition is the identification by using patterns of friction ridges and valleys on an individual's fingertips which are unique to that individual.

Facial Recognition

• Facial recognition uses the visible physical structure of the face and analysis the spatial geometry of distinguishing features in it to identify an individual.

Iris identification

• The iris is the colored ring of textured tissue that surrounds the pupil of the eye. Iris identification uses the unique pattern of its texture to recognize an individual.

Behavioral Characteristics

Voice Recognition

• Voice Recognition is the Identification using the acoustic features of speech that have been found to differ between individuals.

Signature Identification

• Signature identification is the analysis of the way a user signs his or her name.

• The process used by a biometric system to verify a signature is called dynamic signature verification (DSV).

Signature Verification Process

The following biometric traits are taken into account while designing signature verification systems.

• The angle at which pen is held,

• The number of times the pen is lifted,

• The time it takes to write the entire signature

• The pressure exerted by the person while signing

• The variations in the speed with which different parts of the signature are written.

Applications of Biometrics

• Security

• Airports i.e. Heathrow Airport had Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) to facilitate frequent travelers.

• Government Agencies

• Banks i.e. Facial recognition system equipped ATM Machines.

• Time and attendance management

• Hospitals

• Banks

• Access Control

• Personal Computers, Phones i.e. Apple Touch ID

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometrics

Advantages• Uniqueness

• Universality

• User Friendliness

• Accuracy

• Comfort

Disadvantages• Costly

• Facial Imaging can also hinder accurate identification.

• Missing or Injured body part problem

• False acceptance and rejections

• The scanning of eye is fearful to some people