The
information age has revolutionized the way transactions are completed.
The growth in electronic transactions has resulted in a greater demand
for fast and accurate user identification. Passwords and Personal
Identification Numbers can be shared, forgotten, lost, or stolen.
Biometric technology is a way to achieve fast, user-friendly, authentication
without requiring a separate card, key, or other physical device.
It does, however, require a person be physically present to be verified.
Biometrics uses automated methods of recognizing a person based on physiological or behavioral characteristics. Fingerprint identification is the oldest system used for biometric technology. No one, not even identical twins, have the same fingerprints. A user’s fingerprint can be scanned into a computer biometric system and retained for comparison. Any time access is requested, the fingerprint must be matched. The process is fast, non-invasive, and accurate. Other common human traits used for recognition are speech, face, hands, and eyes, and behavioral characteristics include handwriting and keystroke recognition. To increase authentication accuracy, different biometrics can be combined requiring not only a user’s voice to match, but also his hand geometry, for example.
Biometrics is applicable to a wide variety of institutions. The criminal justice system, as well as customs departments at international airports have used it. There are many examples of biometrics for military and government use. One is to provide strong authentication for access to computer systems containing sensitive information. For this reason, the National Security Agency plays a role in the research of biometric technology.