Biometrics Chuck Cook Matthew Etten Jeremy Vaughn

Overview What is Biometrics? Why use Biometrics? Types of Biometrics Uses and Applications of Biometrics

Definitions As a process: Automated methods of identifying a person based on measurable biological and behavioral characteristics. As a characteristic: A meaurable biological and behavioral characteristic that can be used for automated identification.

Why Biometrics Universal – we all share the same physiology Unique – especially when used together Permanent – most do not change over time Collectable – easy to gather and store data Performance – accuracy and speed increase with technological advances Public Acceptance Difficult to forge Do not need to remember passwords

Fingerprints Advantages: Multiple fingers, easy use, proven technology, large database exists, ridges last a lifetime Disadvantages: Age and/or occupation may impede recognition

Facial Recognition Advantages: No contact required, cameras are common, easy for people to verify Disadvantages: Face can be obstructed, sensitive to changes in expresson, age and lighting

Iris Recognition Advantages: No contact required, eye is less prone to injury, and iris is stable over lifetime Disadvantages: Difficult to capture for some

Hand Geometry Advantages: Easy to capture, believed to be stable over lifetime Disadvantages: Requires some training, not sufficiently distinctive over a large population

Other Techniques Signature/Handwriting Voice/Speech Retinal Scans Facial Thermography Vascular Patterns Keystroke Patterns

Biometric System 5 Basic Components Sensors – collect data Processing Algorithms – develop a template Data Storage – Hard drives or smart cards Matching Algorithms – compare template with new data Decision Process – Automated or Human-assisted

Usage 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. Can be done in conjunction with a smart card, username or ID number. Identification A one to many comparison of the captured biometric against a biometric database in attempt to identify an unknown individual.

Applications Building or secure location access Access to computer systems Passports/Travel Employee recognition Elections Law enforcement Consumer/Retail National security Secure banking Health services

Health Care Applications Privacy HIPAA and other such acts guarantee privacy United States require that physicians and healthcare professionals who use electronic records track every time a patients record is accessed. Biometrics can help secure these records, as well as keep track of who did, or tried to, access healthcare records

Law Enforcement Applications Greatly reduce paperwork Sensitive information can be identified using national or regional databases Move from ink and paper fingerprinting to digital systems to save time and money Facial recognition can be obtained using “mug shots”

Consumer Applications Controlled access to personal computers, mobile devices, private data, medical records, etc. Product can customize itself to you, based on your identity Identify age or criminal record for selling of restricted items (Alcohol and firearms)

Financial Applications ATM machines could use Iris or facial recognition as opposed to a 4 digit PIN Easier to steal cash or credit card numbers than physical features