What Is Biometric Identification?

By Author: imageware
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Biometric identification is the technology that allows the recognition of people through those unique physical traits of each individual. There is a large amount of this type of software, but the most used are those focused on facial recognition, fingerprints, voice or the iris of the eyes.

This type of recognition makes it possible to facilitate processes and implement high-security software by not having to use passwords and, in this way, solve the typical problems associated with theft or loss of passwords.

Existing biometric techniques are classified according to the trait analyzed:

Physiological: fingerprint, iris, retina and face recognition, among others.

Behavior: recognition of voice, signature or the way of walking, among others.

When referring to computers and security, biometrics is the identification of a person by measuring their biological characteristics. For example, a user who identifies himself to a computer or building by his fingerprint or voice is considered a biometric identification.

When compared to a password, this type ...
... of system is much more difficult to forge as it is unique to the person. Other common methods of a biometric scan are a person's face, hand, iris, and retina.

Types of biometric devices
Below is a list of all known biometric devices that can be used to enter biometric data into a computer.

Face Scanner: Biometric facial scanners identify a person by taking measurements of a person's face. For example, the distance between the person's chin, eyes, nose, and mouth. These types of scanners can be very secure assuming they are smart enough to distinguish between an image of a person and a real person. See our facial recognition page for more information on this term.
Hand scanner – Just like your fingerprint, the palm of your hand is also unique to you. A biometric hand scanner will identify the person with the palm of their hand.

Finger Scanner – Like the image shown on this page, a biometric finger scanner identifies a person by their fingerprint. These can be a secure method of identifying a person. However, cheap and less sophisticated fingerprint scanners can be fooled in a number of ways. For example, in the Myth Busters show they were able to fake a fingerprint using a Gummy Bear candy treat.

Retina or Iris Scanner – A biometric retina or iris recognition identifies a person by scanning the iris or retina of their eyes. These scanners are more secure biometric authentication schemes compared to the other devices because there is no known way to duplicate the retina or iris.

Voice Scanner – Finally, a voice analytics scanner will mathematically analyze a person's voice to identify them. These scanners can help improve security, but with some less sophisticated scanners they can be bypassed with a tape recording.

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