Biometrics Biometrics refers primarily to the measurement of physiological and behavioral characteristics to automatically identify people. Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Biometrics is the study of automated methods for uniquely recognizing humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits biometric authentication refers to technologies for measuring and analyzing human physical and behavioral characteristics for authentication purposes.authentication Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Physiological characteristics – face – fingerprint – DNA Behavioral characteristics – signature – voiceprint – gait Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Issues and Concerns Technology has the potential to do great things. It also brings with it the potential to do harm. Are concerns surrounding biometric use real or imagined? Do our concerns prevent us from seeing the vast potential of the new technologies developed using biometrics Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Issues and Concerns: This could happen - DNA is planted at the scene of the crime Assume another's identity by using the person’s biometrics or simulating their biometrics. In this way, impersonate them without arousing suspicion Fool a fingerprint detector by using a piece of sticky tape with an authentic fingerprint on it Fool an iris recognition camera by showing a photo of another’s iris Hack into the interface between a biometric device and the host system, so that a "fail" message gets converted to a "pass". Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Issues and Concerns Biometric measurements are more difficult to forge Since biometrics more problematic when lost or stolen Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Identity theft Biometrics can confuse the solution Credit card theft is a significant problem for the individual involved. BUT, If a person’s fingerprints are stolen, the damage could be irreversible. Are biometric technologies being used without adequate safeguards? Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Privacy Biometrics are often are touted as a way to reduce crime. –Yet, privacy advocates fear biometrics may be used to decrease personal liberties of law abiding citizens. Developments in digital video, infrared, x-ray, wireless, global positioning satellite systems, image scanning, voice recognition, DNA, and brain wave fingerprinting provide government with new ways to "search" individuals –Now organizations collect vast databases of information on law-abiding members of the public. Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Who is watching the watchers? The 4 th Amendment guarantees free speech and a right to privacy. Do biometrics strip away these rights? If everyone is biometrically “searched” at a concert or sporting event and compared with a database of known terrorists we “may” be safer, but have we lost something in exchange? Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner

Biometrics Sociological concerns As technology advances, more and more private companies and public utilities will use biometrics for safe, accurate identification. Is this the direction we want technology to go? Are there physical dangers: –Are retinal scans safe? –How accurate are the devices in question? –If DNA is found at the site of an investigation, who knows when I was there? Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner