Biometric authentication is a security process that uses distinctive human biological, physical and behavioural traits to verify a user’s identity.
It saves the customer’s record and is used to verify the user’s identity when they log into the customer account. This compares the pattern with the previously recorded pattern in the database; if it matches, the user is authentic.
This system is becoming very common because it is authentic and very accurate.
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How is Biometric Authentication Better Than a Password?
Passwords are used for security purposes, but hackers easily copy them. They steal the password and log in to the user’s account. But, biometric ID can not be copied because every person has a unique impression, and hackers can not reproduce a person’s biometrics. They can not present the fingerprints and facial map of the person. Therefore, it is the most reliable for security purposes. There were almost 1.6 million incidents of computer misuse reported in England in the year ending March 2022.
Parts of Biometric Authentication Devices
- Scanning device
- Technology to convert biometric data
- Database for storage
Sensor
A sensor is a device that senses biometric data like a fingerprint reader senses the user’s fingerprints, and a voice analyzer detects the user’s voice.
Software
Software is used to compare the data with the previously stored data. And to check whether the template is matched with the previously stored data.
Database
The database is used for storage reasons; It stores the user’s data, like the customer’s fingerprint pattern, retina pattern and voice.
Biometric Authentication Types
Following are the types of biometric recognition system
Fingerprint Recognition
Fingerprint recognition is the oldest method and has been used for many years. In the past, finger impressions were taken on paper, but now, it is a digital method.
The fingerprints of every person are different. So, no one can not pretend to be another person. Fingerprint recognition is used in almost every industrial sector. This is a quick biometric identification process, but sometimes, if fingerprints are wet or dry, it may take some time.
Eye Recognition
In eye recognition, two types are involved: the iris and the retina. In a retinal scan, blood vessels of the eye are scanned, and in iris recognition, coloured rings are observed on the iris. Eye recognition is also a rapid process, but it does not perform well in sunlight because the pupil of the eye contracts in sunlight.
Voice Recognition
In biometric user authentication, voice recognition analyzes the sound of the user. Length of voice tract, shape of larynx, nose and mouth are used to identify the user.
Voice recognition can sometimes cause issues if the person is ill and suffering from a cold because the person’s voice will be changed.
In which Industries Biometric Recognition methods are being used?
These systems are used in various industries; some are given below.
Travel
An E-passport is similar to a conventional ticket. The only difference is that an E-passport contains a chip that holds all the user’s data, its picture and all the previously stored templates in the database. The identity of the client is checked through this data;
Some flights give the option to the passengers to check into the flight by using biometric user authentication.
Hotels
Some hotels are offering self-check-in by using a biometric authentication system. The customer has to book the hotel online, and all the booking and payments are done online. After this, users can check into the hotel using their biometric ID.
Banking Sector
The banking sector mainly uses biometric identification systems because they face many scams. So, biometric authentication plays a vital role over here. It provides 2-factor verification so that it protects the customer from scams.
Hospitals
Biometric recognition is also now used in hospitals. Fingerprint, iris and voice all types of identification methods are used. This process saves time and prevents extended documentation. Hospitals can confirm their patients through it. The complete medical history of the patient will be held in it.
Law Enforcement
Agencies use different kinds of biometric data to identify people. In 1970, an automated fingerprint identification system was used to identify fingerprints. In the past, it was a very long and time-consuming process. Because users’ fingerprints were manually matched and confirmed, They can be checked by a single click. It is a rapid and easy process.
Conclusion
The Biometric Authentication system is user friendly and reliable. Customers feel secure while using these systems because their data is safe. Businesses can retain their clients long-term because biometric ID builds customers’ trust. Other than this, customers also recommend it to their friends and family. Businesses gain an advantage by using identification systems.