BIOMETRIC IDENTITY IN BIOMETRICS

Biometric Identity in Biometrics

Biometric Identity in Biometrics

Introduction

Biometrics has been on the verge of a breakthrough for many years but, despite the optimistic predications, has remained a little-used method of human identification that continues to be viewed by many with suspicion. At present, however, the situation could be about to change. In the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy in September 2001, biometrics has suddenly moved into the limelight. Speakers at a recent seminar in London heard how a surge of interest in security could rapidly lead to the increased application of biometrics in the very near future. However, they warned, for successful implementation, great care and attention are vital.

Biometric Identity in Biometrics

Currently a plethora of biometric systems exist. Many of them are off-the-shelf. But the question remains, how often are they successfully implemented? It was with this opening remark that Clive Reedman, Chairman of the Association for Biometrics in the UK challenged the audience at a recent seminar in London. The seminar, jointly organised by the IEE and the Association for Biometrics was titled “Biometrics: an Eye for the Future”. Speakers covered topics relating to international standards, vulnerability assessment, research challenges, legal and societal issues and Government ID projects.

Biometrics is defined as the “automated identification or verification of human identity through the measurement of repeatable physiological and behavioural characteristics”. This, at least is the definition used by the Association for Biometrics, which, with more than 60 members from industry, Government and academia, claims to be the world's largest fee-paying biometrics group.

The technology for biometric identification now exists, Clive Reedman told the seminar. However, to implement a successful application, many factors must be considered. First, he said, it is important to choose the right biometric for the application. None is perfect, they all have strengths and weaknesses. Also, it is necessary to think about fall-back processes since a small percentage of any user community will be unable to provide the required biometric data. This percentage is in the 4-10 per cent range, he estimates. Finally, it is vital to win the support of the users and ensure that they use the system properly and do not sabotage it. “The public do not care much about security. They do care about convenience and identity theft,” he remarked.

While the banks have always stayed with PIN numbers, some organisations have moved over to biometrics in recent years, as Peter Hawkes from BTG told the seminar. The British army has, for example, used signatures as the biometric for the issue of ammunition. In the State of California, voice biometric technology has been used to support the home incarceration of suspected criminals. Most recently, Malaysia became the first country to start issuing biometrics-enabled passports, millions of which are in use now.

In the UK, the immigration service is using fingerprints to identify asylum seekers arriving in the country. Garry Gardner, an independent consultant, told the London audience how those seeking asylum are asked to give ten ...