Reference

Definitions to help de-code some technical terms, sometimes used when discussing our Biometrics products.

Accuracy A catch-all phrase for describing how well a Biometric System performs.

Algorithm
A limited sequence of instructions or steps that tells a computer system how to solve a particular problem.

ANSI - American National Standards Institute
A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.

Application Programming Interface (API)
Formatting instructions or tools used by an application developer to link and build hardware or software applications.

Arch
A fingerprint pattern in which the friction ridges enter from one side, make a rise in the center, and exit on the opposite side.

Attempt
The submission of a single Biometric sample for identification or verification.

Authentication
In Biometrics, "authentication" is sometimes used as a generic synonym for verification.

Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)
Generic term sometimes used in the Biometrics community to discuss a Biometric system.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
A highly specialized Biometric system that compares a submitted fingerprint record (usually of multiple fingers) to a database of records, to determine the identity of an individual.

Biological Biometric Characteristic
A Biometric characteristic based primarily on an anatomical or physiological characteristic, rather than a learned behavior.

Biometrics
A general term used alternatively to describe a characteristic or a process.

Encryption
The act of transforming data into an unintelligible form so that it cannot be read by unauthorized individuals.

False Acceptance Rate (FAR)
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when executing the verification task.

Fingerprint Recognition
A Biometric modality that uses the physical structure of an individual’s fingerprint for recognition purposes.

Identification
A task where the Biometric system searches a database for a reference matching a submitted Biometric sample, and if found, returns a corresponding identity.

Performance
A catch-all phrase for describing a measurement of the characteristics, such as accuracy or speed, of a Biometric algorithm or system.

Recognition
A generic term used in the description of Biometric systems (e.g. face recognition or iris recognition) relating to their fundamental function.

User
An Individual that utilizes a biometric authentication system. The "user" can be an administrator or simply an authorized user.

Verification
A task where the Biometric system attempts to confirm an individual’s claimed identity by comparing a submitted sample to one or more previously enrolled templates.

Vulnerability
The potential for the function of a Biometric system to be compromised by intent (fraudulent activity); design flaw (including usage error); accident; hardware failure; or external environmental condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Biometrics?
A: Biometrics is the science and application used to determine the identification of an individual based on their unique physiological or behavior characteristics.  These include, but are not limited to, a person’s fingerprint, hand print, iris pattern, facial characteristic, voice pattern, gait, or signature.

Q. When should biometrics be utilized?
A. Biometric security applications are unlimited; they can range from individual computer users to nuclear plant personnel. The common denominator is there must be a need to determine the identity of the individual(s).

Q: How is Biometrics used? When does Biometrics Apply?
A: Biometrics can be utilized in any situation requiring the accurate identification of an individual. Use of Biometrics includes granting or denying access to data, mechanisms, or points of entry. Almost all identity theft today occurs through compromised systems protected by traditional security methods. Keys and passwords just don’t measure up.

Q: Where can Biometrics be applied?
A: Any application that requires the accurate identification of an individual is a candidate for Biometrics.  This ranges from personal computers and other data entry points to nuclear power plants where security is Mission Critical.
Q: Do fingerprints change when you get older?
A: Once a person stops growing their fingerprints are largely constant.

Q. Is Biometrics new? Is it safe?
A. The myth that biometrics is new and unsafe is a popular misconception. The use of Biometrics in various forms has been commonplace for quite some time. The use of a signature or attached photograph to a signed document is an example of biometrics. Safe and secure storage of Biometric identifiers should be no more disconcerting than providing your billing information to businesses you already trust with personal details.

The safe and secure storage of an individual’s unique characteristics should be of no more concern than providing your date of birth, eye color, or billing address. The segment of the population that should be seriously concerned about the growing use of biometric technology is the criminal element.

Obtaining and duplicating secured information is difficult, but not impossible. However, circumventing biometric verification of unique physical characteristics is close to impossible. So, in actuality biometrics enhances safety for the individual and society.

Q. Is a biometric system costly?
A. Biometric security is presently no more expensive than other less secure alternatives; even highly advanced fingerprint sensors are now cost effective.