Tips on Using Biometric Devices

Biometric devices provide advanced security protection.

Biometric devices enhance security measures. Fingerprint scanners, voice authentication, facial recognition and retina scans are among the most common biometric devices as of 2011. These tools provide an enhanced security feature that is significantly more difficult to bypass than standard passwords and PIN numbers. Each person has a unique fingerprint, unique retina scan or unique voice pattern that allows them access to an area or use of another device, such as a computer, while keeping others from that same access.

Fingerprint Scanners

Fingerprint scanners are relatively straightforward with regard to their standard use. They can have difficulty reading some fingerprints, however, and produce false negatives, thus denying access. For best results and faster acceptance, use the same finger on the scanner every time. Apply light pressure to flatten your fingertip slightly against the scanner; this provides a flatter image the device can scan and recognize more easily. Avoid scratchings, cuts, burns or anything else that can alter the appearance of the fingerprint, even if only temporarily.

Retina Scanners

Retina scanners, considered quite high tech, once existed in science fiction. These devices scan the layer of blood vessels in the eye for recognition of an individual's clearance to a certain area or use of a device. For the easiest use and access, remain as still as possible while the device performs its scan of your eye, use the same eye every time. The development of cataracts or blindness will alter the effectiveness of this type of scan and can result in false negatives. If something occurs that affects your eye, inform security promptly so they can assist in implementing an alternative security measure.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition scanners analyze each person's face for shape, positioning of the features and sometimes even the underlying features, such as blood vessels under the skin. Facial recognition systems have difficulty distinguishing between identical twins (or other identical multiples such as triplets or quadruplets) and can have difficulty when people change their hairstyle or don't wear their glasses. For best results, once the initial scan goes into the system for later recognitions, take a picture that day as a reminder of features such as like style and eyeglasses. If you get a different hairstyle, switch to contact lenses or undergo another change, consult with the security personnel who manage the facial recognition system for a new scan, if necessary.

Voice Authentication

Voice authentication systems record a given phrase, or sometimes just a name or other identification, and use that recording as the basis for future access. You must memorize or otherwise remember a statement or phrase and then restate it at the time of entry into the area or when trying to use the protected device. This method has a reputation as one of the least reliable methods because others can impersonate a given voice. If someone is sick, the system may deny access as well if the illness greatly affects that individual's voice. For best results, use a statement, phrase or pass code spoken in a calm voice at the time of recording. Every time you access the voice authentication system, attempt to repeat that same calm voice and speak at the same pace.

References

• Kyungsang University: Biometrics, as a New Technology
• Global Security: Biometrics