This article explains the topic.
In fact, many of us already use biometrics now in theforms of our fingerprintsand our faces.
For example, many of the latest smartphones feature fingerprint scanners and/orfacial recognitionto unlock devices.
Anthony Lee / Getty Images
Compared with so calledtoken-based(e.g.
keys, ID cards, drivers licences) andknowledge-based(e.g.
This is one reason why biometrics are often favored for high-level secure entry (e.g.
Law enforcement agencies regularly collect fingerprints to help establish crime scenes and identify individuals.MAURO FERMARIELLO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
government/military buildings), access to sensitive data/information, and the prevention of fraud or theft.
Physiological characteristics used in biometrics relate to theshape and/or compositionof the body.
But cost and the overall collection process are also considered.
Fingerprint scanners are a growing type of security feature to be incorporated in mobile devices.mediaphotos / Getty Images
This is why smartphones feature those instead of hardware for analyzing body odor or vein geometry!
How Biometrics Work in Everyday Life
Biometric identification/authentication starts with the collection process.
This requires sensors designed for capturing specific biometric data.
Basically, new tech/discovery helps to improve the process with better hardware.
The algorithms are programmed to identify and extract certain aspects and/or patterns of characteristics (e.g.
), typically converting the data to a digital format/template.
The digital format makes the information easier to analyze/compare against others.
Good security practice would involve encryption and secure storage of all digital data/templates.
authentication) or more (i.e.
identification) entries saved within a systems database.
Matching involves a scoring process that calculates degrees of similarity, errors (e.g.
imperfections from the collection process), natural variances (i.e.
some human characteristics can experience subtle changes over time), and more.
If a score passes the minimum mark for matching, then the system succeeds at identifying/authenticating the individual.
However, each one is really asking a slightly different yet distinct question.
Height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and more are usually assessed.
