Biometrics & SecurityBiometrics is the science or recognizing a person on the basis of some particular characteristics. These characteristics could be anything from fingerprints to the iris to the face structure of a person. Lately biometrics has found vast application in the field of security. Biometrics & security has been used in several areas, both consumer and commercial, to come up with the best security solutions. Today, there are several security devices available that function on the application of biometrics. Biometric locks based on the identification of fingerprints are perhaps the most common. Access systems that identify the fingerprints of an individual are also being used in organizations. Wall safes that read the face or voice of a person are also there. Security system that is based on identifying the iris structure of a person is also quite common. Fingerprint readers are perhaps the most common application of biometric technology. Though such devices are the most common application of biometrics in security, they are not completely full proof. As a matter of fact, other biometric technologies fare better than them. Molding latex fingers to reproduce a genuine fingerprint is perhaps the easiest way out to fool these fingerprint readers. Moreover, lifting your authentic fingerprints form a surface using laser print toner and then reproducing it on a photocopier is also possible. Biometrics may offer security but that security is barely skin deep. Many researches have shown that busting biometrics technologies is not that difficult a task. All kinds of biometric devices such as iris scanners, face and voice recognition systems, and thumbprint readers can easily be fooled. Copying some one's fingerprints or faking some one's voice is the easiest thing to do for a professional burglar. Owing to the drawbacks of biometrics security, many experts are of the belief that biometrics are not and can never be a complete replacement for passwords. To overcome this hurdle it is strongly suggested that biometric devices be used in compliance with passwords. Relying too heavily on biometric mechanism alone is not that great an idea. Expense is yet another factor that serves as another negative to the concept of biometric security. Security devices that function on biometrics can be quite expensive. While devices like fingerprint readers are affordable they are not that foolproof in offering security. Iris recognition systems are a tad better when it is about offering security but they are way too expensive to be within the reach of the common man. Biometrics & security is indeed a great idea but for its perfect implementation, there is a lot that needs to be done. The use of biometrics alone cannot guarantee 100% security. The need of the hour is to work on biometrics and come up with the perfect security solution. |