Biometrics

Biometrics, or bio-identification, is the practice of measuring physical characteristics of a person to verify their identity.

The most common biometric systems measure fingerprints or hand prints. More advanced biometric systems measure the users voice, features of the users eyes, or the geometry of their entire face. Futuristic systems measure the users ears, their smell, or even their DNA itself.

Biometrics are more secure than passwords, but they can also be fooled. For example, one hacker discovered that fingerprint readers could be fooled by copying a fingerprint using the goo that Gummy Bears are made out of.

Challenges for Biometrics

Adoption of biometrics has been slow, for several reasons:

1. False negatives - A user who cut his finger is suddenly refused access.
2. Cost - This hardware and software is significantly more complex and expensive that password or token cards.
3. Intrusiveness - Many people feel than being measured is dehumanizing.

Additional Reading on Biometrics

For more information, read the Biometrics FAQ.