Biometric security
Biometric security
(also biometric identification)
Biometric security definition
Biometric security is a way of identification using biometric data. It uses an individual’s physical characteristics to verify them. For example, hardware equipment (such as fingerprint readers or phones with cameras) scans a fingerprint or face, which collects biometric data that the phone or reader then compares to information in its database.
Types of biometric security
- Biological. It entails using biological material like saliva, hair, and blood samples to identify someone or something. It isn’t used for security in everyday gadgets but mostly in crime settings.
- Physical. It utilizes physical features such as a hand, voice, face, and eyes for identification. We are surrounded by it every day. Our phones do this when using face recognition or a fingerprint to unlock it.
- Behavioral. It analyzes a person’s behavior and unique actions, such as someone’s way of typing on their phone, handwriting, or the way they run.
Biometric security examples
- Voice recognition. This technology works by measuring the pitch, accent, and frequency of the voice to identify someone. Phone assistants use it to learn more about you to work faster and better.
- Facial recognition. It uses a scanner that takes a photo of your face comparing it to a scan of your face done previously and saved in the database. Besides a phone, you can also encounter this technique in airport security.
- Fingerprint scanning. Using infrared light, a finger scanner captures a picture of blood vessels in your finger to identify you. Other than a professional scanner, this is also something a phone uses to unlock.