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Biometrics in Security

The science that authenticates a given identification by using the unique physical attributes of a person is known as biometric security. There is a four level procedure for this identification:

• Acquire– A sample from an individual is acquired in the particular biometric system.
• Distill-- Certain unique data is distilled from the sample and a template is made.
• Compare– This template is then compared with a new sample.
• Conform -- The system then checks to see if the new sample conforms with the original one.

Application: Biometric security offers more protection than passwords or identity cards. Organizations looking to make their data more secure can use biometrics for accurate identification of users. Earlier the cost for biometric science was prohibitive but as research in this field evolved and processing of data has become faster; the technology has become more affordable and reliable for commercial activity.

Biometric identifiers include

Fingerprinting: Conventionally, finger scanning is done by matching minutiae, that is the unique ridge and branch formations in the fingerprint.

Other main ways to acquire the fingerprint are:

a) Optical image -- The finger is placed on a glass surface called platen. Light shone on the glass will take a picture of the parts of the finger touching the glass.

b)Thermal/Tactile image – A sensitive silicon chip uses pressure or heat from the finger to capture the image.

c)Electrical charges –A silicon sensor measures the electrical charges emitted from the ridges on the fingertip.

• Other ways like analyzing the sweat pores in the finger which are positioned in a

different manner in every individual and using ultrasound are also used.

Advantages

• Fingerprinting is the most common biometric system available and many devices are available at competitive rates.
• the small size and easy integration of fingerprint authentication devices, makes it a favorite for the workstation security.
• Not only is it suitable for a one-to-one identification but it can also be used for one-to-many identifications. The AFIS systems are used by law enforcement agencies to identify a fingerprint from a database of fingerprints.

Disadvantages

• There is a stigma attached to it because of the notion that only criminals in a society are fingerprinted.
• Dirt, alteration in skin conditions or even differences in pressure and alignment of the finger can create errors in the scan.
• Communication between an external scanner and a PC can be vulnerable to fraud if it isn't protected by strong cryptography.

Hand geometry:Hand geometry involves measuring the size and and shape of the hand, fingers and knuckles included. The hand is positioned with the aid of guides and pictures are taken and measurements are made by the system. It is used by organizations for various applications, mainly access control and time and attendance records.

Advantages

• It is easy and fast system and is suited for user id testing.
• Accuracy can be very high, and flexible performance tuning and configuration can allow a wide range of applications.
• It easily integrates with other systems and processes making it first choice for many biometric projects.

Disadvantages

• Though convenient, this system cannot boast of very high accuracy because hand geometry is not as exclusive finger printing or like the retinal eye scan.

Face GeometryFace Geometry involves analyzing the shape and pattern of features of the face. Video or thermal imaging are the common means of capture. Thermal imaging is more accurate than video as it uses the heat that emanates from the face for recognition. 3D imaging of the face is the more advanced form of this technology. Casinos have adopted this system to create a database to catch con artists.

The face naturally distinguishes one individual from the other but the technology is difficult as it uses artificial intelligence to recognize one face from the other and is mainly software based.

Advantages

• Even though the software and technology used is highly complex face geometry is very accurate and is increasing in popularity.

Disadvantages

• Facial scanning needs an extra accessory not usually included with basic PCs; it is more of a niche market for network authentication.

Retina ScanningThis biometric involves assessment of the layer of blood vessels present at the back of the eye. The technique involves using a low-intensity light source through an optical coupler to scan the unique patterns of the retina.

Advantages

• Retinal scanning can be quite accurate

Disadvantages

• It requires the user to look into a receptacle and focus on a given point. This is inconvenient if you wear glasses or are concerned about having close contact with the reading device. For these reasons, retinal scanning is not very accepted by all users, even though the technology itself can work well.

These are just a few of the biometric techniques that are available and there are a a variety of other options as well. The technologies behind biometrics are still emerging. This article gives us a basic overview of applications of the few common systems in the field.

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