14/03/2013
Biometrics
Biometrics literally means life measurement and is associated with utilization of distinctive physiological characteristics for identifying individuals. Though most important application related with biometrics is that of security, it is used as the computer interface too. A range of Biometric applications are being used for authenticating person’s identity. With the use of various features including fingerprints, face, signature, and iris, a person is identified.
Identification method using biometric characteristics is being preferred over conventional PIN and passwords based methods. Due to various advantages, biometrics technology is gaining popularity. The need of physical presence at the time of identification with these systems makes identification even more authentic. Use of this technology also overcomes necessity of remembering passwords and Pins. This automated technology thus makes verification and identification easier by identifying behavioral and physiological characteristics.
History
Chinese were the first ones to use biometrics in the 14th century. They used to take prints of feet and hands of the newborns to differentiate them from one another. Alphonse Bertillon introduced anthropometric study called Bertillon age. This was known to be initial modern step for systematically identifying people with the use of biometrics. 11 different measurements were used by the system. These measurements identified the individuals with assumption that two individuals cannot be same. While the system proved to be flawed and cumbersome, basic concept stayed alive within law enforcement and scientific communities. This ultimately led to development of various biometric systems that are even used today.
Classification/Types
Biometrics can be divided into two groups based on purpose- verification and identification. Verification system is more popular among the two types. These biometrics banks on the database of the approved signatures prepared well in advance. System checks the signatures with already stored ones in the database to verify the identity. Identification systems try to determine exact identity of person. Instead of consulting local database, this type of biometrics system may use international database for determining the identity. Due to cost and complex nature, the identification systems are less popular.
Applications
Attendance and time technology of biometrics is being used by a range of businesses for addressing deficiencies in the conventional attendance systems. The biometric technology restricts entrance of the unauthorized users and lets the authorized users in the property. It keeps record of all the entries and exists. Biometrics locks known as fingerprint locks are installed in homes for replacing the keys. System maintains database of approved fingerprints and lets only ones with fingerprints in record in the house. Other applications of this useful technology include biometric reports, security systems, biometric presentations and biometric whitepapers.
Why opt for Biometrics?
There are many benefits of using biometrics including better security. These systems offer low cost and convenient security tier. By using the biometrics, companies can also reduce the frauds related to buddy punching and ID. Biometric systems also take care of the problems related to forgotten passwords, lost IDs by employing physiological attributes. Companies can easily cut down password administration expenses and can replace difficult passwords too. Biometrics technology also provides increased ROI and cost savings in various areas including time and attendance and loss prevention.
Choosing the Biometrics Technology
There is a range biometrics system available in the market. It is important to pick one that suits user profile, interface requirements, application based parameters and environmental conditions. By keeping the following things in mind, one can pick the best biometric technology for use. Choose easy to use technologies unless you are trained for a specific type. It is also important to check the error incidence too. Environmental conditions and time affects accuracy of the biometric information. Vendors generally use two ways for measuring biometric accuracy. False rejection Rate and False acceptance rate are used for rating the accuracy of biometrics. So while buying the biometrics system, think about your requirements and then take an informed decision.
