Information on Biometric Devices

Biometric is a combination of two Greek words, 'bio' and 'metric' which literally means measurement of life. The devices based on this principle are known as biometric devices and are employed for many uses. These devices are generally used to identify an individual. They measure different physiological traits of a person such as his fingerprints, retina and face and could be programmed to learn acquired features such as handwriting and other distinguishing traits.

History

Biometrics is not a new concept. It has been used in various ways for thousands of years. Thumb impressions are used as a means of identifying a person because no two fingerprints are similar. This breakthrough in criminal science came during the 19th century when scientists were able to use biometrics to catch criminals by identifying their fingerprints.

The commercial use of biometric devices didn’t start until the 70s when it was employed to restrict unauthorized access to buildings. Use of biometrics has since been on the rise for security and identification purposes.

Importance

Biometric devices have become objects of extreme importance in security of public offices. Organizations also rely on thumb impression devices to manage their employee’s attendance and maintain their data. Biometric devices identify and verify an individual. Passwords or pin codes can be forgotten or lost, yet identification through a physiological trait is a foolproof security and verification method.

Various Biometrics Technologies

Biometric data is collected in a number of ways, and a biometric system could be fed with added traits. Commonly used biometric definitions include fingerprint analysis, facial feature recognition, iris and retinal verification and DNA analysis to determine genetic traits. These are called physical biometrics, whereas a system could be adapted to behavioral biometrics such as speech, handwriting and signature.

Measuring Performance of Biometric Technologies Systems

There could be thresholds defined for evaluating biometric systems. The various baselines for the performance of a biometric system can include false rejection rate, crossover and false acceptance rate, verification time and rate of enrollment failure.

Business Appeal

Employing biometrics devices is a much safer option than traditional methods of verification, since the biometric parameters are unlikely to be stolen or forged. Biometrics systems deliver peace of mind, as they provide alternatives to passwords and pins. They also replace the usage of authentication cards.

Misuses

Biometric data poses a moral question as to whether a firm should have finger impressions, palm geometry and DNA analysis of its employees. This data could be dangerous for the employee if leaked out, as it could be used in many criminal activities and fraud.

But the use of biometrics is definitely on the rise, and as with all technologies, it has its pros and cons which are debatable, but one area in which everyone agrees is the immense usefulness of biometric devices, as more and more people are benefiting from them.

References

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Resources

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