Biometrics are physical characteristics, traits, or behaviors that can be utilised to verify the identity of a person. Biometric authentication is increasing in popularity for businesses as biometrics have proven to be an effective method to control access to physical places, sensitive data, or devices. A person with a false set of fingerprints can easily dupe security measures, gain access, and then leave without catching their misdeeds. To prevent this from happening, businesses utilise biometrics as a means to verify the identities of employees and individuals.
Biometrics can consist of things like hand prints, facial recognition, iris patterns, and fingerprints. The iris pattern of a human is unique and only found in one eye. Using biometrics helps prevent fraud by ensuring that only individuals who should be authorised entry into secured areas are allowed entry.
Utilising biometrics in security settings allows organisations to protect both their employees and their customers. By using biometric authentication systems, businesses can prevent the impersonation of employees by controlling access to physical places of business. Additionally, biometrics can monitor individuals entering public networks and help determine whether they possess the authorisation right to be there. For example, by using voice recognition software to capture voice fingerprints in secure public networks, employers can determine whether or not the person is authorised to be in the network.
As the use of biometric systems has increased, so has the need for qualified employees to implement and maintain these new systems. In order for biometric technologies to be effectively implemented, it must ensure that the information it contains is not only accurate but also up-to-date. Additionally, biometric technologies must allow for the capture, storage, processing and distribution of accurate and updated data. This will provide a lasting benefit to organizations that are implementing biometric systems.
One of the most important aspects of a successful biometric system is how easily an individual can alter their biometric traits. A fingerprint, for example, can be altered if the right software is used. Unlike some typical forms of biometric customisation, alterations to a fingerprint can only be done with the help of specialised technicians. However, because many organisations have already adopted the use of voice recognition software, altering voice traits is now easier than ever. By using biometrics in secured areas, such as commercial spaces, customer service centers and locker rooms, businesses can ensure that only those who should be allowed entrance are permitted entry.
The development of the U.S. Department of Defense’s fingerprint identification system has led many hospitals to implement biometrics in their patient identification systems. By utilising this system, medical facilities can create a database that contains different images of patients, allowing for the creation of a virtual map that shows which patients have been identified and which ones are still available for collection or retrieval. This method of patient imaging has led to the integration of fingerprints from different sources on a single system. As such, a physician in need of a specific patient fingerprint can simply access the database and perform a medical procedure on a potential patient.
Security companies that deal with access control systems have also found biometrics to be quite useful. By using various forms of biometrics, such as iris scans, fingerprints, voice recognition and retinal scans, these companies can ensure the security of company property while still allowing people to gain access to certain areas of the business. They can also prevent against the improper use of items found within the secured facility. For instance, by using biometrics in a food chain, managers can prevent employees from giving extra servings of food to those who do not belong to the company or who have not gained access through legitimate means.
Aside from the use of biometrics to track individuals and collect information on them, it is also possible to implement such systems in places such as banks. With the advent of debit cards, it has become necessary to check whether a person is authorised to enter the bank before making transactions. Aside, from performing manual checks, such systems can also perform fingerprint scans. These allow employees to prevent the occurrence of cash theft by scanning the fingerprints of employees before allowing them access into secured areas. This not only increases employee security but also reduces losses that may occur as a result of stolen wallets or purses.
Fingerprint Biometrics
Fingerprint biometrics are used in conjunction with numeric keypads to automatically unlock a door or other secured application by generating a password. The technology uses biometrics to match an individual’s fingerprint patterns with the stored internal database to verify individuals identity. The technology has been used for different purposes ranging from access control, time tracking, smart cards, and to name a few. When using biometrics to access an application, finger prints are taken from the user’s finger and run through a series of computer controlled tests to generate a unique password.
Advantages
Fingerprint biometrics have one advantage over conventional password systems, which is that a single fingerprint can provide a strong level of security even for complex password protected applications. Password-based systems require that one key stroke be made by a user at any given time to unlock an application. This increases the risk of random password cracking attacks by requiring users to enter their password repeatedly. With single sign on passwords users can enter one password to log into an application and use that password to gain access to important information and control systems. Single sign on password systems can also offer a more secure system of password authentication than typical passwords due to the fact that only one user is actually needed to physically access the application. Using a single sign on password can improve system performance because there is only one process that needs to occur instead of multiple steps needed to gain access to the application.
Security Process
Fingerprint biometrics are a useful addition to the security process of any facility that requires a high level of security. Fingerprint biometrics have many advantages including the ability to prevent access to restricted areas, provide authentication to employees and customers, and eliminate the need for manual entry into passwords. Fingerprint biometrics offer a cost effective solution for securing sensitive information. The accuracy of fingerprint biometrics makes them one of the most reliable forms of authentication available. The long term benefits of using biometrics in security systems far outweigh their short term benefits.
Iris Biometrics
Iris biometric technology is the integration of iris recognition technology with traditional fingerprint scanning methods to provide iris biometrics – iris scans, which can be matched against stored fingerprints for recognition purposes. The iris scan is also referred to as the fingerprint scan. Iridescent light from the eye can be seen as varying hues of green depending upon an individual’s eye color, making it extremely unique and easy to recognise. Iris biometics accurately measure the iris patterns on the surface of the iris, which are unique to each individual.
Devices
Biometrics, which scan the iris of a person have found their way to many of the popular touch screen and other mobile devices of recent years due to their near-perfect match to human iris patterns. The iris scanner is a device which utilises this technology and allows users to receive a more in-depth closer look at people by taking just a few moments to snap a photograph or to type in a name. In this way, iris scanning lets users get a much more detailed closer look at a potential partner or employee, and allows employers to determine whether or not they possess a criminal record which would exclude them from work. It may also help prevent the employment of individuals with prior criminal offenses by allowing employers to see iris images which have been compared to a photograph of an individual.
Benefits
There are many benefits of Iris bioethics and iris scanning. With iris scanning, individuals can feel more secure about their everyday personal interactions and can rest assured that their data is safe with reputable companies such as Iris imaging. However, with the widespread privacy concerns of recent years, it is important to make sure that your Iris biometric information is kept private between you and your chosen company. This means that you should only allow authorized parties such as your chosen adoption agency to have access to your Iris details.
Facial Biometrics
Facial biometrics refer to biometric solutions that enable biometric authentication. This technology is usually utilized in the areas of security and safety. A facial recognition system is a technology able to match an individual face against a digital image, commonly used to verify users through biometric identification services, functions by pinpointing and analyzing facial characteristics from a captured image. The facial recognition systems are used for different purposes. One such application includes facial recognition to help identify and authentication facial characteristics in order to perform various tasks. Some facial biometrics applications include Face Recognition Lock, Face Recognition Keystroke Alarm and the new face recognition feature on the iPhone.
Face recognition technologies
Face recognition technologies also have a wider application including biometric technology used for authentication in general. Biometric technology is basically a system that involves using one’s own biological characteristics (hairstyle, eye color, height, weight, gender) in order to provide authentication to one’s self-awareness. The concept of using your own physical characteristics to provide authentication to yourself has long been considered a futuristic and very interesting idea. With the advent of smartphone technology and mobile applications, biometric technology can now be practically implemented in the form of facial recognition technology.
Artificial Intelligence
Face recognition is actually an application of artificial intelligence, in which data is fed into an algorithm. This will allow for the facial recognition to work more efficiently, accurately and quickly. The facial recognition is done with the use of a traditional algorithm, which uses natural language processing, image recognition, image enhancement, dictionary and more. With the help of a high quality algorithm and high resolution captured images, the artificial intelligence works efficiently and accurately. Furthermore, this new technology makes it possible to implement a facial recognition lock in the Apple iPhone, to prevent unauthorised access to one’s phone.
Voice Biometrics
Voice biometrics is the identification of an individual from features of spoken voices. It has applications in many fields including medical and legal affairs, finance, customer service, and security. The word voice biometrics may refer to voice recognition or speaker recognition. Voice recognition is based on natural language processing, facial recognition, and other voice-recognition technologies. Voice recognition enables users to search and identify people in situations where traditional biometric methods have failed, and it is often used for data collection.
Voice Patterns
Voice recognition technologies have been around for some time. With advances in technology, speech recognition software has been developed to allow users to recognise voice patterns, which are then used to categorise voice patterns into words or categories. Voice recognition technology is commonly used in call centers, whereby employees are trained to automatically direct callers to the appropriate departments when necessary. In business, voice recognition technology is increasingly used as a way of collecting data about leads, customers, and even assets.
Voice recognition technology uses voice patterns (voiceprints) as a form of identification. The accuracy of voice biometrics relies on the knowledge of the structure of natural voice patterns. The basic idea behind this is that it is difficult to create a perfect digital voice print, and thus the structure of the voice print is more reliable than general digital signatures. This allows for the use of “verification” to be based on the ability of the user to match a spoken voice print to a particular entity.
Biological Security
The September 11th Terrorist attacks on America and the subsequent fear and confusion which followed, only reinforced the nation’s need for a comprehensive approach to biological security. Unfortunately, too often, considering biological security is construed by many as equivalent to other forms of military protection, such as nuclear weapons. While biological security is certainly an important part of protecting our nation, it should not be seen as a substitute for political, economic, and legal protection – all of which are at the core of protecting the American people. And yet, in recent years, biometric technology – the scientific process of collecting, tracking, and analysing individual fingerprint marks and hand prints – has become a primary weapon in the fight against international terrorism. As this emerging tool becomes more widely utilised, biological security will assume a more prominent role in our defense policy.
Biosecurity Managers
Currently, biosecurity managers face a significant and growing biological security risk from a variety of sources, including irresponsible handling of biological waste (which leads to contamination of soil and water sources), inadequate biological safety data management, and fraudulent, biometric testing. Some biological hazards may result from the accidental mishandling of safety-sensitive chemicals or medical samples. Other potential risks stem from biodegradation of sensitive biological security stock (also known as biological waste) resulting from improper disposal or improper storage. Lastly, biosecurity failures may result from the theft of laboratory or security stock, or even biological hazard escape through misadventure (such as in a laboratory experiment gone bad).
Behavioral Biometrics
Behavioral biometrics has been around for many years and is the study of how we use and interact with our bodies to help us successfully complete our day. In the realm of business, this technology is becoming increasingly popular as it is a highly effective means for companies to track employees, and also for consumers to monitor products they purchase and learn about their usage. The technology has already proven very effective in tracking and identifying individuals through their voice, their usage of cameras and the way that their actions are distributed across networks. It can even be used to track a person down if they attempt to hide their identity by using a proxy server or change their IP address.
But what is the difference between behavioral biometrics and physical biometrics? For instance, a fingerprint worn by someone as a security feature will have a different effect on a person than a fingerprint would. While fingerprints can easily be copied and impersonated, behavioral biometrics are recorded through observation. While behavioral biometrics technology works great for protecting the identities of individuals, it is equally important for individuals to be aware of the limitations of the technology.
Biometrics in Australia
In Australia, the application of biometrics has become increasingly common not only in the financial and banking industries but in the general public sector as well. Biometrics has become increasingly popular in the general public sector, but it’s also evident biometrics usage can be utilized in both the public and private sectors, and in numerous other applications as outlined in the previous blog post. It’s also becoming a more popular choice with businesses and organizations looking to reduce costs by implementing controls in an extremely tight-knit environment. In this article, we’ll explore just some of the advantages biometrics offers businesses.
While the biometric technology for facial recognition and iris scanning has been available for many years, Australia is the first nation to utilize iris and fingerprint technology to process visa applications. The Australian Government is striving to make its immigration system as efficient and reliable as possible, and biometrics are one of the elements of this efficiency. According to the Australian Privacy Commissioner., biometrics enable the visa office to process visa applications more efficiently than with past methods, because it requires only one set of fingerprints. Australia’s National Security Agency also believes that iris scan results provide the most accurate confirmation of identity, thus leading to a reduction in fraudulent cases.
One reason why the Australian Government has taken such an aggressive stance regarding biometrics in Australia is because many of the crimes in Australia involve an element of deception. For example, a person could have their real identity hidden by a known false face and then commit crimes in a place where their true identity is hidden. By using a facial recognition tool, law enforcement officials can quickly identify criminals by identifying features that are unique to that person. However, biometrics do not always provide enough information for law enforcement to positively identify an individual.
According to the United Nations High Commission for International Development, biometrics may also be required for access to sensitive information. For example, a person who has applied for refugee status may have information removed or altered by third parties prior to approval, due to fear of prosecution. Similarly, data collection on children who have been placed in the care of the Department of Social Services may require the use of biometrics to ensure that the children’s identity is not used for malicious purposes. In both of these situations, data collection and storage will likely be extensive and costly, placing privacy rights of individuals further at risk.
There are many other reasons why biometrics should be implemented in Australia. The aforementioned issues are just a small portion of those requiring implementation. As of 2021, over half of all reported identity crimes occurred in Australia. Additionally, in September 2021, the Royal Australian Cyber Crime Unit began a three-year nationwide program that will increase focus on biometrics as a primary means of identifying crime. The program is still ongoing, but the goal is clear: biometric technologies will continue to play a leading role in identifying criminals and removing them from the population.
Summary
Biometric technology has recently made major strides forward with new technologies such as iris scanning, fingerprint scanning, retinal scans, facial recognition, hand geometry, and eye movements. These biometric scans can often be used to access secured areas of our business and government facilities, or other areas of our personal lives. The biometric technology now available to protect our nation from terrorists includes iris recognition, fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, and retinal scans. biometrics are mathematical measurements and body measurements associated with specific characteristics of humans. The biometric system used by law enforcement officers to determine a person’s identity and protect against shoplifting works by comparing the measurements of the person’s fingerprint to fingerprints found in a database of criminal records. It is also commonly used in computer security as a form of access and identity control.
