Biometrics

Q: Which biometric technology is the best?

There is not one biometric modality that is best for all implementations. The effectiveness of a biometric technology is dependent on how and where it is used. Each biometric modality has its own strengths and weaknesses that should be evaluated in relation to the application before implementation, including location, security risks, task, expected number of users and user circumstances.
For instance, an access-control system to a building construction site, where users will have very worn and dirty fingerprints, will not be a suitable environment for a fingerprint reader. The careful evaluation of the key factors plays a crucial role in the success of the selected technology.
Fingerprints remain constant throughout life. In over 100 years of fingerprint comparison in different countries, no two fingerprints have ever been found to be similar, not even those of identical twins.
Hand geometry readers work in austere environments, do not require clean conditions, and forms a very small dataset. It is not regarded as an intrusive kind of test. It is often the authentication method of choice in industrial environments.

Please note that maturity does not show which technology is the best, but it can be an indicator of which technologies have more implementation experience.

Q: How are biometrics collected?

Biometrics are typically collected using a device called a "sensor." These sensors are used to acquire the data needed for recognition and to convert the data to a digital form. The quality of the sensor used has a significant impact on the recognition results.

Q: How does it work?

To be able to recognize a user by their biometric characteristics and the derived biometric features, first a “learning phase” must be done. The procedure is called enrolment and consists in the creation of a data record of the person to be enrolled which is stored in a biometric database. The enrolment data record is constituted of one or multiple biometric references or templates and non-biometric data such as a name or a personnel number.

Q: What are biometric templates?

This biometric template has been stored for the purpose of a comparison, which is done during the recognition process between the biometric template and the actual biometric features coming from the biometric device (i.e. sensor).

The integrity of the finger print template is guaranteed. The image of the finger is not been kept in the system. Bodet’ Biometric solution scans the finger tip ridges and converts the scan through an algorithm to a number. Only that number is stored. There are no files with fingerprints in our software or our electronic cards. The fingerprints are encrypted by an algorithm based on AES technology and are called "templates". Our software can retrieve the templates.

Q: What is the difference between recognition, verification, and identification?

Recognition is a generic term and does not necessarily imply either verification or identification. All biometric systems perform recognition to a person who has been previously enrolled.
Verification is the technology that compares someone's fingerprint with the fingerprint of the user of the biometric device. Because of that, this method requires also a password or an access card.
Identification is a task where the biometric system has to determine the identity of an individual. A biometric template is collected and compared to all the templates in the database. The Identification process is finished if the person is known to exist in the database.
Authentication is the process of verifying and confirming the identity of a person with his or her authenticity. This process may involve several methods such as a username, a proximity card (or smartcard if the template is on the card) and a biometric template and is often combined with authorization assigning certain rights to a user.

Q: Where are biometric technologies currently being deployed?

Biometrics can be used in environments where recognition of an individual is necessary. Applications vary and there are solutions for controlling an access to a personal computer or to enhance the physical access of a secure laboratory or IT department. Biometrics are being used in many locations to improve security and convenience (i.e. airports). Many companies are also implementing biometric technologies to maintain time records for T&A systems.
Of course, biometrics perform more reliably in controlled environments, such as offices and laboratories, than in uncontrolled environments, such as outdoors.

Q: What if the biometric system doesn't work?

It is always important to keep in mind that secondary procedures need to be implemented for every biometric installation. Biometrics are a component of overall security system. The architecture of the installation will vary from user to user, from company to company.

Q: Are biometrics safe to use?

Biometrics are not dangerous for health and are passive and designed to be safe to use. Biometric systems usually implement ordinary computing and video technology.

Q: Will biometrics solve all security problems?

Biometrics should be one part of an overall security system implementation plan. A biometric system alone cannot solve a security problem.