subject: Biometric Authentication A Solution Against Fraud [print this page] To define biometric authentication, it is an advanced security and access control application that measures, records, and authenticates the physical traits and behavioral aspects of a person that can be checked and monitored on an automatic basis. Height, weight, hair color, eye color, is all physical traits of a person that can be easily monitored. But security personnel check for such biometric factors that could not change over time, as unlike the physical characteristics that might change with time.
This helps in developing a biometric security device that verifies and authenticates access to a person on the basis of pre-recorded physical characteristics and behavioral traits that wont change. Incorporating these elements for authenticating access, it is ensured to reduce incidence of fraud since physical characteristics and behavioral aspects cannot be copied easily, unless expert technology applications and false devices are employed.
There are several benefits related to this advanced security technology as mentioned below:
Biometric identification provides accurate and secured access to important information. Retinal scan, fingerprints, voice recognition, and iris scan provides absolutely distinct set of data that cannot be duplicated in any situation, thus, ensuring accurate identification and authentication results
Automated advanced biometric authentication can be done in an uniform and rapid manner, with only minimum training requirements
Replaces the current identification methods that come with password verification. Such password-centric systems have several problems. People have to write down the password to memorize it, while often they even forget it. Moreover, passwords can be easily hacked with advanced technology systems
The identity of the person is verified on the basis of unique physical traits and biometrics, and not on the basis of documents that can be easily altered, stolen, or lost
All important details about the person is recorded along with the biometric identification codes for easy and quick verification
Successful Biometric Identification Important Characteristics
To ensure success of advanced biometric authentication method, it is important to consider the following integral factors:
The physical trait or behavioral characteristic should be identifiable with the person uniquely, without any scope of duplication
The biometric identification trait must not change over the period of the persons lifetime, or this can disrupt the entire authentication process
The input data should be checked easily against the pre-recorded data of the actual person in an automated, simple, and quick manner
The physical characteristic or behavioral trait should be easily read or scanned in the area of operation, with an inexpensive equipment and with immediate results
User friendly and easy to operate for system managers and individuals
Willing participating of the person is not essential
Use legacy data like voice recognition or face scanning
There are different methods of biometric authentication. Some can be achieved without willing knowledge of the subject; some are less invasive, while some others are very difficult to fake. The most popular methods of biometric identification are face recognition, iris scan, fingerprint identification, signature, retina scan, hand geometry biometrics, and voice analysis.
