Biometrics recognition is the process by which a biometrics system compares incoming data to data stored in its system to see if a match can be made. It is said to have “recognized” the person it is analyzing if it does. From facial recognition software at airports to fingerprint scanners at amusement parks, this technology is used in security systems all over the world.
The field of biometrics is based on the fact that many humans have distinguishing and unique characteristics that can be used to identify them from other humans. Biometrics can be applied to a variety of traits. Fingerprints are one of the earliest examples, as everyone on the planet appears to have their own set of fingerprints at any given time. The irises of the eye, as well as the faces, are distinctive.
When someone approaches a biometrics system, sophisticated processing software can be taught to recognize specific individuals, and the system can determine whether or not the person is someone familiar. If a laboratory decides to use fingerprinting to control access to a specific area, a list of authorized personnel will be generated, and their fingerprints will be entered into the biometrics system. Any time one of these individuals wanted to enter the restricted area, they would have to present a finger to the biometrics system, which would compare the fingerprint to its database in a biometrics recognition process.
The biometrics recognition process is not without flaws. Even when someone is already in the system, a small variation can cause the system to reject them. If facial recognition is used and a change to the face occurs, such as a poorly healed broken nose, plastic surgery, or swelling caused by an injury, biometrics recognition may fail. On the other hand, it is sometimes possible to deceive a system, which is a common plot device in spy films.
Biometric authentication is used to restrict access to or passage through a specific area. Because a good system can be expensive, people must consider the cost of other security options when deciding whether or not to use biometrics. Biometrics has the advantage of acting as a gatekeeper, removing the need for a human guard. This can improve security by allowing guards to be outwitted, bribed, or tricked. However, unless a human observer happens to be present, obvious measures used to fool the biometrics recognition system will go unnoticed.