Biometrics
Chuck Cook
Matthew Etten
Jeremy Vaughn
Overview
• What is Biometrics?• Why use Biometrics?• Types of Biometrics• Uses and Applications of Biometrics
Definitions As a process:Automated methods of identifying a person based on
measurable biological and behavioral characteristics.
As a characteristic:A meaurable biological and behavioral characteristic
that can be used for automated identification.
Why Biometrics Universal – we all share
the same physiology Unique – especially
when used together Permanent – most do
not change over time Collectable – easy to
gather and store data
Performance – accuracy and speed increase with technological advances
Public Acceptance Difficult to forge Do not need to
remember passwords
Fingerprints Advantages:Multiple fingers, easy use,proven technology, large databaseexists, ridges last a lifetime
Disadvantages:Age and/or occupation mayimpede recognition
Facial Recognition Advantages:No contact required,cameras are common,easy for people to verify Disadvantages:Face can be obstructed, sensitiveto changes in expresson, age and lighting
Iris Recognition
Advantages:No contact required, eye isless prone to injury, andiris is stable over lifetime
Disadvantages:Difficult to capture for some
Hand Geometry Advantages:Easy to capture, believed tobe stable over lifetime Disadvantages:Requires some training, not sufficiently distinctive over alarge population
Other Techniques Signature/Handwriting Voice/Speech Retinal Scans Facial Thermography Vascular Patterns Keystroke Patterns
Biometric System 5 Basic Components Sensors – collect data Processing Algorithms – develop a template Data Storage – Hard drives or smart cards Matching Algorithms – compare template with new
data Decision Process – Automated or Human-assisted
Usage VerificationA one to one comparison of a captured biometric with
a stored template to verify that the individual is who he claims to be. Can be done in conjunction with a smart card, username or ID number.
IdentificationA one to many comparison of the captured biometric
against a biometric database in attempt to identify an unknown individual.
Applications Building or secure
location access Access to computer
systems Passports/Travel Employee recognition Elections
Law enforcement Consumer/Retail National security Secure banking Health services
Health Care Applications
• Privacy• HIPAA and other such acts guarantee privacy• United States require that physicians and healthcare
professionals who use electronic records track every time a patients record is accessed.
• Biometrics can help secure these records, as well as keep track of who did, or tried to, access healthcare records
Law Enforcement Applications
• Greatly reduce paperwork• Sensitive information can be identified using
national or regional databases• Move from ink and paper fingerprinting to digital
systems to save time and money• Facial recognition can be obtained using “mug
shots”
Consumer Applications
• Controlled access to personal computers, mobile devices, private data, medical records, etc.
• Product can customize itself to you, based on your identity
• Identify age or criminal record for selling of restricted items (Alcohol and firearms)
Financial Applications
• ATM machines could use Iris or facial recognition as opposed to a 4 digit PIN
• Easier to steal cash or credit card numbers than physical features