Biometrics - Week 10

Biometrics 

Biometrics is a form of measurement of the unique physical characteristics of an individual that provides authentication, this authentication is based on three factors, what you are, what you know, and something you have.

Types of Biometrics: 

Fingerprinting - This technique relies on the identification of the unique patterns of the surface of the finger. 

Facial - Facial recognition uses cameras to extract features from an individuals face. 

Vein - This method uses an infra-red light to authenticate the unique vein patterns that are formed  pre-birth and never changes. 

Iris - Iris recognition uses camera technology to identify the unique patterns of the 'Irides' in an individuals eyes.

Hand geometry - This method identifies a user by their hand-shape and structure against current records.

Advantages

• Increased security over card or pin based system as these might get lost or stolen.
• Biometric information cannot be shared. 
• Reduces cost of administration, as it removes the management of lost, stolen or forgotten pins/cards
• Replaces hard to remember passwords. 
• Identifies who, where and when correctly.
• Reduces fraud, e.g. workers using other colleagues cards/pins

Disadvantages

• Hard to use in exposed locations, as fingerprints scanners can fail if extreme amounts of dust or dirt are present e.g. construction sites.

• Authentication might take slightly longer to be achieved as the user will have to stop, present themselves and wait for authentication.

• Expensive initial investment, installing biometrics systems and record the databases for authentication can be a costly investment.

In summary, biometrics have many advantages regarding physical security, ease of access and monitoring of employees, the initial investment might be costly but the advantages surpass the disadvantages and older methods of verification which can be corrupted, lost or shared for nefarious purposes.