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Biometrics refers to the identification of
humans by their characteristics or traits.
Biometrics is used in computer science as a
form of identification and access control.
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Biometric identifiers are the distinctive,
measurable characteristics used to label and
describe individuals. These are used by
machines and software to work out a process.
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Examples include, but are not limited to
fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, Palm
print, hand geometry, iris
recognition, retina and odour/scent. Within a
hospital or at a doctors surgery, biometrics
can be used so that only certain people can
access certain equipment or medication.
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Increase security - Provide a convenient and
low-cost additional tier of security.
Reduce fraud by employing hard-to-forge
technologies and materials, e.g. finger prints.
Reduce password administration costs.
Replace hard-to-remember passwords which
may be shared or observed.
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The finger print scanner and the hand or
palm geometry can pass on illness to the
workers
Biometrics security is expensive to install
Takes a long time getting peoples data onto
the system