Book Image

Identity Management with Biometrics

By : Lisa Bock
Book Image

Identity Management with Biometrics

By: Lisa Bock

Overview of this book

Biometric technologies provide a variety of robust and convenient methods to securely identify and authenticate an individual. Unlike a password or smart card, biometrics can identify an attribute that is not only unique to an individual, but also eliminates any possibility of duplication. Identity Management with Biometrics is a solid introduction for anyone who wants to explore biometric techniques, such as fingerprint, iris, voice, palm print, and facial recognition. Starting with an overview of biometrics, you’ll learn the various uses and applications of biometrics in fintech, buildings, border control, and many other fields. You’ll understand the characteristics of an optimal biometric system and then review different types of errors and discover the benefits of multi-factor authentication. You’ll also get to grips with analyzing a biometric system for usability and accuracy and understand the process of implementation, testing, and deployment, along with addressing privacy concerns. The book outlines the importance of protecting biometric data by using encryption and shows you which factors to consider and how to analyze them before investing in biometric technologies. By the end of this book, you’ll be well-versed with a variety of recognition processes and be able to make the right decisions when implementing biometric technologies.
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
1
Section 1 –Understanding Biometric Authentication
6
Section 2 – Applying Biometric Technologies
12
Section 3 – Deploying a Large-Scale Biometric System

Comparing DNA and retinal scans

Two highly accurate methods to prove someone’s identity are by evaluating a subject’s DNA or using a retinal scan. In this section, we’ll uncover just what is involved in these two forms of biometrics, along with some of the reasons we might use them.

Let’s start with seeing how DNA is used to identify an individual.

Using our DNA

DNA is what makes up our genetic code. Every living being has DNA, which holds all the information required to build and maintain an animal, plant, or single-celled life form.

When evaluating DNA to identify someone, a key indicator is called a Short Tandem Repeat (STR), which is examined and then compared between individuals. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses 13 core STRs, which are used in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a government-managed DNA database. During an evaluation using DNA, the core 13 (or more) STR sequences are chosen for comparison, as they vary...