Biometrics is the study of the methods for recognizing and identifying humans based on unique intrinsic traits that are physical or behavioral in nature. Biometrics are commonly used in information technologies to authenticate users. Physical biometric authentication methods include fingerprinting, retina scans, iris scans, facial pattern recognition, and hand measurements. Behavioral biometric authentication methods include signatures, typing patterns and rhythms, and mouse gestures. Some people use the term "behaviometrics" for behavioral biometrics that can be tested and analyzed without interrupting the user, such as mouse gestures and typing patterns.
The modern advances in technology, networking, and communications have created the need for ever better security and identification methods. In the current era, the two primary ways of verifying the identity of a person are possession based and knowledge based. Possession based security includes things like having a certain card, key, or document. The problem with possession based security is that these objects can be stolen, lost, or recreated. A thief can use someone else's key, or create their own fraudulent key card. Knowledge based security involves knowing a certain password or security code. The problem with knowledge based security is that passwords can be forgotten, and if written down, can also be stolen. Passwords and security codes can also be cracked or hacked.
Biometric security does away with these weaknesses. Body characteristics are much harder to copy or recreate than passcards or keys, and they cannot be forgotten or lost. Biometric security systems can also be used in tandem with traditional security systems to provide additional security without having to totally replace the existing system. We all have seen the movies that show a security guard getting knocked out, and then the spy uses the guard's hand or eye to open the secure door. If the guard also knew a password needed to get in, then the spy would be out of luck, even in this unrealistic scenario.
Another form of biometrics is voice recognition. Voice recognition can be used as a security device, or to differentiate between users. For example, you can sit down at a computer and simply state your name. This will load your profile without you having to sign in or use a password. This means you don't have to remember a password, and it mean no one can steal your password or sign in as you. Biometrics are used by all of us every day to recognize the people that we know. As biometrics become more common in our world, security will become less beatable and almost every aspect of life will be improved as a result. Right now biometrics are too expensive to be implemented in most systems, but as the technology becomes cheaper and cheaper biometrics will become more common. As criminals and thieves increase their skills and tools, we will one day be at a point where biometrics save far more money than they cost.
