Biometrics
Biometrics refers primarily to the
measurement of physiological and
behavioral characteristics to
automatically identify people.
http://cubs.buffalo.edu/about_biometrics.shtml
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
• Biometrics is the study of automated
methods for uniquely recognizing humans
based upon one or more intrinsic physical
or behavioral traits
• biometric authentication refers to
technologies for measuring and analyzing
human physical and behavioral
characteristics for authentication
purposes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometrics
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
• Physiological characteristics
– face
– fingerprint
– DNA
• Behavioral characteristics
– signature
– voiceprint
– gait
http://cubs.buffalo.edu/about_biometrics.shtml
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
• Issues and Concerns
•
•
Technology has the potential to do great things.
It also brings with it the potential to do harm.
• Are concerns surrounding biometric use real or
imagined?
• Do our concerns prevent us from seeing the vast
potential of the new technologies developed
using biometrics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometrics
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
Issues and Concerns: This could happen • DNA is planted at the scene of the crime
• Assume another's identity by using the person’s biometrics
or simulating their biometrics. In this way, impersonate
them without arousing suspicion
• Fool a fingerprint detector by using a piece of sticky tape
with an authentic fingerprint on it
• Fool an iris recognition camera by showing a photo of
another’s iris
• Hack into the interface between a biometric device and the
host system, so that a "fail" message gets converted to a
"pass".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometrics
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
Issues and Concerns
• Biometric measurements are more
difficult to forge
• Since biometrics more problematic
when lost or stolen
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
Identity theft
Biometrics can confuse the solution
• Credit card theft is a significant problem for the
individual involved.
• BUT, If a person’s fingerprints are stolen, the
damage could be irreversible.
• Are biometric technologies being used without
adequate safeguards?
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
Privacy
• Biometrics are often are touted as a way to
reduce crime.
– Yet, privacy advocates fear biometrics may be used to
decrease personal liberties of law abiding citizens.
• Developments in digital video, infrared, x-ray,
wireless, global positioning satellite systems,
image scanning, voice recognition, DNA, and
brain wave fingerprinting provide government
with new ways to "search" individuals
– Now organizations collect vast databases of
information on law-abiding members of the public.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometrics
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
• Who is watching the watchers?
• The 4th Amendment guarantees free speech and
a right to privacy. Do biometrics strip away these
rights?
• If everyone is biometrically “searched” at a
concert or sporting event and compared with a
database of known terrorists we “may” be safer,
but have we lost something in exchange?
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner
Biometrics
Sociological concerns
•
•
•
As technology advances, more and more
private companies and public utilities will use
biometrics for safe, accurate identification.
Is this the direction we want technology to go?
Are there physical dangers:
– Are retinal scans safe?
– How accurate are the devices in question?
– If DNA is found at the site of an investigation, who
knows when I was there?
Copyright © 2008 by Helene G. Kershner