Biometrics: Useful Terms

Biometric recognition, or biometrics, refers to the automatic identification of a person based on his or her anatomical (fingerprints, iris of the eyes) or behavioral (signature) characteristics or traits. This method of identification offers several advantages over traditional methods involving ID cards (tokens) or PIN numbers (passwords) for various reasons:

1. The person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of-identification.
2. Identification based on biometric techniques eliminates the need to remember a password or carry a card, etc.

With the increased integration of computers and the internet into our lives, it is necessary to protect sensitive and personal data.

By replacing PINs (or using biometrics in addition to PINs), biometric techniques can potentially prevent unauthorized access to ATMs, cellular phones, laptops, and computer networks.

Unlike biometric traits, PINs or passwords may be forgotten, and credentials like passports and drivers' licenses may be forged, stolen, or lost. As a result, biometric systems are being utilized to enhance security and reduce financial fraud.

Various biometric traits are being used for real-time recognition, the most popular being face, iris of the eyes, and fingerprints; however, there are biometric systems that include all of the following: retinal (eye) scans, voice, signature, and hand geometry. In some applications, more than one biometric trait is used to achieve higher security. Such systems are called multi-modal biometric systems.