Biometric security

The article considers what biometric security is, what types of it exist, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Surely everyone knows that traditional passwords and keys have long been a weakness of security systems. They identify us, but they can’t be reliable enough because they can be passed on to another person, easily forgotten or hacked.
Multiple breaches of information security and identity theft result in that people understand: they need an improved security. Biometric security system is one of them. Today it is the most reliable and accurate method of information protection.

Biometrics refers to metrics or measurements related to human characteristics. There are two main types of biometric systems:

  • Physiological: iris or retina shape, fingerprints or geometry (size and position) of fingers, face, voice, vein pattern, DNA, digital signatures.

    These biometric data are recognized by special devices (scanners, sensors, etc.), then stored as digital information in the database (hereinafter OBD). The system compares the characteristics of the user with what is stored in its database. If there is a match, the system will confirm the identity and access, if not, will reject the request.

  • Behavioural: walking, gestures, voice and speech rhythms, handwriting or signature dynamics, keystroke, typing, etc.

    Human identification is based on dynamic or behavioural characteristics. The system is also known as «passive biometrics», because it does not require the active participation of the user for the authentication process.

    It measures a person’s unique behavior and subconscious actions. Some of the identifiers can be used for continuous verification of identity instead of a single one.

Main types of biometric authentication

Despite the large number of forms of biometrics, some are more popular than others. The reason for this is their availability or high level of accuracy.

Face recognition
Face recognition is an automated analysis of the human face in an image or video. It is performed by reading the features of a person’s face: the distances between the eyes, lips, ears, nose, chin and eyebrows.
This is a very convenient kind of biometrics, as it does not require interaction with the device, and the result is given in a matter of seconds.

Retinal scan
This method is used because in most cases the retina does not change throughout life. Infrared radiation scans blood vessels whose pattern is unique to each individual.

Iris recognition
Firstly, the scanner will locate the pupil, then the eyelids and the iris. After the eyelids and their components are eliminated, only the iris blocks are recognized, which are converted into numerical values. Ultimately, these data are compared with previously collected information and used to verify identity.
Since the iris is an internal organ that is well protected from damage to the sensitive membrane, it is unlikely that any injuries in light form will affect the scanning device.

Fingerprint scan
This system is used more often than others because of its accessibility. Most people have met this method of authentication.
The scanner converts the fingerprint into a digital code using an optical sensor. The code is then compared to the database of approved personalities.

Voice recognition
Voice refers to both physical and behavioral biometrics.
The uniqueness of the voice is determined by the shape of the nose, mouth and larynx. For authentication, the voice is recorded, digitized, and then compared to a pre-recorded model.
For the user, this is the most convenient form of recognition, as it requires minimal effort and does not need expensive equipment.

Biometric Security Benefits

– Security. Biometric human traits are more difficult to crack, steal or lose than traditional passwords or keys.

– Convenience. Biometric data are always with the user, so you no longer have to remember the codes or carry the cards with you.

– Speed. User identification takes place in a matter of seconds, which reduces the time taken to enter passwords or manually verify identity.

– Efficacy. The biometric system does not require the assignment of dedicated security personnel, which means that the company can save on costs. In addition, the storage of biometric patterns requires less memory.

Biometric Security Flaws

– Cost. Biometric security requires additional expensive hardware and software. Traditional devices are still cheaper.

– Privacy. Some people fear biometric technology because of the possibility of mass surveillance, which can restrict the individual’s freedom.

– Scanning problems. Decorations, injuries, diseases - these small changes in appearance can cause difficulties in scanning the data.

– Failure to reset. Biometric data are stored in the database by the user’s consent. If this database is hacked, it will be impossible to change its data, which means that there is a possibility of theft of confidential information or finances.

– Errors. Despite the uniqueness of biometric characteristics, there is always the possibility of false processing. Especially if you have a brother or twin sister.

Biometric authentication methods are not perfect, but every year this sphere develops. As research and development progresses, the application of biometric technologies is becoming increasingly common in people’s daily lives.

AZN Research also uses biometric security systems. We use neural networks in our solutions where artificial intelligence analyzes documents to find and recognize faces.

Our «Video Identity Verification» solution allows clients to confirm the identity during an online call.

The «Onboarding Antifraud Suite» solution also deals with facial recognition and tracking of potential frauds.

When a client uploads the documents, the neural network recognizes the face, and it leads to the mathematical template. In some cases, a user is required to take a photograph in real-time. This operation allows to determine the similarity ratio of persons and to decide whether one person is in the photo or not.

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