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The term ‘biometric’ refers to the technical term for body measurements and calculations; ‘bio’ meaning life and ‘metric’ meaning measure.
Biometric systems are used worldwide to effectively manage employee identification, whilst at the same time, protecting confidential information. In an increasingly digital world, this is crucial in protecting identities and keeping out hackers and unauthorized individuals. Biometric systems are highly accepted by many types of organizations and are growing in every sector, including finance, banking, workforce, borders and most rapidly for national identity.
What is a Biometric System?
A biometric system allows the process of identifying individuals via unique physiological or behavioral characteristics; essentially using biological data. The biometrics identity verification system recognizes those characteristics and uses the matching process to identify the individual. The system runs the data through an algorithm that looks for a particular match and then verifies if the person is authorized. The digital template is encrypted and cannot be reverse-engineered.
Why Use Biometrics?
Biometric Systems and Security Solutions can play a crucial role in specific aspects of business management, for example, the accurate logging of employee attendance.
Biometric technology allows the input of all employees into a database. When those employees ‘sign in’ or enter, they are recognized by the system, which identifies the unique characteristics of that particular individual.
Therefore, anyone not logged in to the system will be ‘kept out’. This procedure prevents instances of time theft and attendance abuse. Businesses also have the option to restrict physical access of personnel from certain areas or zones.
Types of Biometric Systems
There are several biometric sensors available on the market, both physiological and behavioral. Depending on the sensor, the iris scanner, fingerprint scanner, face recognition, or even a hand’s vein pattern are taken into account. Each of the sensors offers specific advantages.
Types of sensors in use:
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Physiological Biometric Sensors |
Behavioral Sensors |
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Fingerprint |
Keystroke |
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Iris |
Signature |
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Face |
Voice |
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Hand |
Gait |
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DNA |
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Vein |
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In the next section we will have a look on a interesting topic which is:
Biometric authentication - advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Biometric Systems
Biometric authentication is taking over from the use of traditional passwords or ID-card-based systems as a way to sign in and out. These devices come with a whole range of advantages:
- Biometric devices are easy to install and set up.
- These devices are nearly impossible to spoof: Multi-factor biometric identification ensures 100% accuracy.
- Some devices (e.g. iris recognition cameras and 3d fingerprint readers) do not require multi-factor identification as they can offer 100% reliability in just a single factor.
- Biometric technology brings different types of solutions that are virtually impossible to hack, unlike passwords that can be easily shared or forgotten.
- Biometric credentials (i.e. fingerprint, iris) are always with you.
- Biometric systems are highly time-saving by recognizing employees within seconds.
- Biometric solutions can provide the best ROI compared to other security systems. You can keep track of thousands of employees with just one biometric device and software.
- Young generations trust biometrics more than other solutions.
- Resetting passwords is no longer necessary.
Do Biometrics Also Have Disadvantages?
There are some common misconceptions about biometric applications:
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Perceived Disadvantages |
The Reality |
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Expensive Hardware |
Increased customer demand and increased competition have led to falling prices of hardware. With no cards or fobs to issue, no biometric template licenses, the real cost of ownership can be much lower than traditional access control systems. |
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High Error Rates |
There are generally two types of error rates associated with biometric systems: False Accept Rates (FAR) and False Reject Rates (FRR). Modern algorithms and sensor technology have largely eradicated these issues. Biometric systems can identify users from databases of 10’s or even 100’s of thousands of people. |
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Unhygienic |
Not all biometric technology relies on a user touching a sensor. Iris and 3D contactless fingerprint sensors enable users to be identified without physically touching a device. |
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Difficult to Use |
Biometric devices are easy to use. People have become familiar with fingerprint sensors, particularly through the increasing use of fingerprint recognition for accessing smartphones, and automatic face or iris readers at border controls. |
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Environmental Impact Factors |
Some biometric devices are not suitable for outdoor use or challenging conditions. However, some devices, such as multi-spectral imaging devices, work reliably in some of the harshest of environments. |