Biometric Security - The Future is Already Here

The definition of Biometrics:fingerprints, vein patterns, habits, behavior etc every
1. The statistical study of biological phenomena.one of us have unique identifiers that biometric
2. The measurement of physical characteristics, suchsystems can record and use to validate us to be who
as fingerprints, DNA, or retinal patterns, for use inwe claim to be.
verifying the identity of individuals.In a nutshell Biometric systems employ a 4 stage
September the 11th, 2001 saw the United Statesprocess.
shaken to it's very foundation. We watched the1. Capture. During enrollment, the system captures the
towers fall and suddenly we all felt threatened.biometric sample to be used. Fingerprint, eye scan, etc
Security whether it be personal, industrial or global2. Extraction. The system extracts the uniqueness out
became, and still is a massive issue. With all theseof the captured sample and turns it into a biometric
perceived threats on our lives, family, assets, identitytemplate via a mathematical algorithm.
etc what is the best way to make ourselves feel3. Comparison. When the user attempts to gain
secure?access in the future, the new sample is compared to
Traditionally security comes with "something" we haveall the old samples in the system.
to carry or remember. Passwords, keys, cards,4. Matching. The system will find a match and grant
badges etc. The problems with these systems areaccess or deny access when no match is found.
numerous. "I forgot my password", "I forgot my key",That is basically it. How long does all this take?
"My key got stolen", "I need to update my password"Depending on the amount of users in the system
etc.anywhere up to a second? Less users = faster
Nature in its wisdom gave ALL of us the best everaccess.
security device, Biometrics. Whether it be our