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From basics to the benefits

What do we mean when we refer to biometrics?

Biometrics consists of methods for uniquely recognising individuals based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioural traits. IT related applications use biometrics as a form of identity management and access control.

Biometric characteristics can be divided in two main classes:

* Physiological are related to the shape of the body. Examples include, but are not limited to fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition (which has largely replaced retina), and odour/scent.

* Behavioural are related to the behaviour of a person. Examples include, but are not limited to typing rhythm, gait, voice and signature.

Biometric devices are growing in popularity. The benefit of using biometrics is that end-users do not lose or misplace their personal identifier.

Initially, biometric applications did not catch on as fast as anticipated due to the number of incorrect readings (false acceptance and rejection rates). As technology advanced, however, this changed and biometrics is used with confidence in a number of industries today, from mining through to banking. Of course, as with any technology, opting for a cheap no-name brand biometric system is not advised as the quality can be suspect.

How do biometric systems work?

A human characteristic can be used for biometrics provided that the following parameters are complied with:

* Universality – each person should have the characteristic.

* Uniqueness – is how well the biometric separates individuals from another.

* Permanence – measures how well a characteristic resists ageing and other variance over time.

* Collectability – ease of acquisition for measurement.

* Performance – accuracy, speed and robustness of technology used.

* Acceptability – degree of invasiveness and of approval of a technology.

* Circumvention – ease of use of a substitute.

A biometric system can operate in the following two modes:

* Verification – A one-to-one comparison of a captured biometric with a stored template to verify that the individual is who he claims to be. This can be done in conjunction with a smartcard, username, ID number or PIN.

* Identification – A one-to-many comparison of the captured biometric against a biometric database in attempt to identify an unknown individual.

The first time an individual uses a biometric system is called an enrolment process. During the process, biometric information from an individual is stored in a master database. In subsequent uses, biometric information is detected and compared with the information stored at the time of enrolment. It is crucial that storage and retrieval of such systems themselves be secure if the biometric system is to be robust.

The first block (sensor) is the interface between the real world and the system; it has to acquire all the necessary data. Most of the time it is an image acquisition system, but it can change according to the characteristics desired. The second block performs all the necessary pre-processing: it has to remove artifacts from the sensor, to enhance the input (eg, removing background noise). In the third block necessary features are extracted.

The most common and popular form of biometrics used in physical access control is fingerprint recognition. The reason for this is because it is fast, accurate and one of the least intrusive forms of biometrics available. Also, because of the snowball effect, it is one of the most cost effective and technically advanced biometrics available.

Why is biometrics relevant for business?

Biometrics is relevant for security, control and is a company cost saver. Biometrics can maintain employee payrolls, health, safety and legal compliance. Only staff with the right permissions should be able to gain access to certain areas of a company. Biometrics can achieve this.

An example of this is in South African mines, where biometrics are used to record the number of people entering and exiting a specific shaft and zone, allowing for safe blasting zones in specific areas. Biometrics ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed in restricted areas, as card-based solutions without biometrics could be fraudulent.

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