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| • Introduction to Biometric |
Biometrics is concerned with the measurement and identification of individual traits and characteristics.
At the moment, unique attributes, such as fingerprints, voice, face and eye recognition can be measured and are subsequently used for the purpose of identification or verification. Different techniques are currently available: finger scanners, iris recognition, face recognition, voice verification, to name just a few. Usually, individual needs determine the most suitable method.
To put it into a nutshell, biometric identification always checks who you are, instead of what you know (passwords, codes, PIN) or what you possess (key, card). Nowadays, when people are regularly flooded passwords, biometric identification offers a convenient and attractive alternative in order to check someone’s identity. |
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| • What is biometric authentication? |
Biometric authentication is the automatic identity verification or identification, based on individual physiological or behavioral characteristics. The authentication process is done via computer technology without violating anyone’s privacy. Biometric characteristics are recoded first and then codified into a set of data which will be finally compared to the template. Nowadays, the offered biometric solutions include finger scans, face or iris recognition and many more. |
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| • What is applied biometric? |
If biometric is used for security matters, such as access control for example, it is possible to check human being’s identity electronically. Therefore not only less security personnel is necessary, but also the average access time as well as the probability of potential misuse is reduced. Biometric solutions ensure an extremely high standard for different security applications. |
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| • Where is biometric used nowadays? |
At the moment biometric applications can be found in many different areas, such as during border control, to secure computer networks and financial transactions, as well as access control or time recording.
Available products range from door locks, safes, PC system (incl. safeguarding files and confidential content), computer mice, keyboards, web cameras, time and attendance check.
Biometric systems provide excellent convenience and a very high level of security. |
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| • Why use biometric technology? |
The answer on this question is simply! Individual biometric characteristics are unique and cannot be transferred. Security applications based on biometric identification/verification offer a high level of convenience. Furthermore information cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten. Finally, it is possible to reduce administration and maintenance costs considerably.
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| • Which advantages does Biometric recognition offer, as opposed to traditional security systems and methods?
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-Increased convenience
-Eliminates the inconvenience of remembering passwords
-Eliminates the need for password maintenance
-Eliminates shared passwords
-Reduces maintenance and security costs
-Eliminates the use of even more keys
-Eliminates the use of remembering your swipe card
-Increased security for confidential files
-Deters fraudulent account access
-Biometrics cannot be lost or forgotten
-Extremely difficult to forge
-Highly accurate
-Uses distinctive features
-Faster Login
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| • How do biometric devices work? |
Biometric devices compare a recorded and encrypted set of data with a template.
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| • How does biometrics protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure? |
A biometric record is an encrypted template stored in digital form. The record itself cannot be used to reveal someone’s identity; the probability of fraud is reduced to a minimum. With regard to the level of security, biometric offers an extremely high level of protection. |
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| • Is there a possible health risk? |
No! The methods used to gather the personal biometric data are non-invasive and pose absolutely no threat to physical health or well-being. When properly installed biometric devices enhance both security and ease of access for the individual user. Since the 80ies, when biometric systems were used the first time, definitely no health hazards have been reported. |
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| • Are there any predictions for the future of biometrics and fingerprint recognition?
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| JP Morgan has predicted that the size of the biometric authentication market is going to increase steadily and will become standard for authentication and systems access. At the moment, fingerprint recognition is still in its early adoption phase but is gaining in awareness and acceptance rapidly. Passwords, PINs, cards and signatures are eventually going to be replaced entirely.
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