Suleiman
Dr. Patrick Juola
COST 460 -- Computer Security
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Biometrics
Introduction
Technology that is advancing at a remarkably rapid pace controls the world we live in
today. Most of these technological advancements are meant to make lives easier and safer. With
the availability of large-scale computer networks and the increasing concern for identity theft
cases, the use of an appropriate personal identification system has become of significant
importance. The desired personal identification systems should possess the ability to point out an
individual accurately, rapidly, reliably, without invading privacy rights, in a cost effective, user
friendly and manage to cope with the changing technology. Biometrics systems form one of the
newest technologies that have found a wide use in many areas of people’s daily lives. Biometrics
can be explained as a process of measuring an individual’s physiological or behavioral
characteristics by determining or verifying their identity. On the other hand, biometrics acts as a
barrier between an individual’s personal data and the unauthorized use of that data. A biometric
device works by creating a digital template, whereby a database compares this template with an
already existing template (Modi 11-13).
The main purpose of this paper is to analyze and discuss the best biometric technology by
looking at the aspects of a reputable biometrics technology. Some of the most critical aspects that
will be discussed on this essay are cost, accuracy, speed, safety, security, and inputs. The
quantitative measurement of human beings for identification purposes was started in 1870s.
Some olden means of identifying human beings included measuring the skull diameter or arm
and foot length. These methods have ever since improved with the advancing technology up to
the current biometric technologies. Since biometric technologies are used in identifying people
for safety and security purposes, the selected method should be as effective as possible (Wayman
et al 4).
Types of biometric technologies
Biometrics is divided into two main categories. The first category composes of
physiological biometrics that is based on data retrieved from directly measuring part of a human
body. Good examples of physiological biometrics include iris and facial recognition,
fingerprints, and hand geometry. The second category composes of behavioral biometrics that
functions through identifying action taken by an individual. This biometrics technologies base
their actions and measurements on data derived from behavioral traits of an individual in the
database and compares them with those of the individual in question. Examples of behavioral
biometrics include speech patterns, keystrokes, and signatures (Modi 16-17). This discussion will
analyze the effectiveness of physiological biometric techniques, looking specifically at
fingerprint recognition biometric technology.
Which biometric technology is the best?
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Researchers worldwide has had a hard task determining which biometric technology best
serves the interests of people in terms of cost, speed of operation, safety, and accuracy. As
discussed above, the most common automatic identification methods that use biometrics
technology are fingerprints, iris, voice, retina, hand, face, and handwriting. The imaging
requirements of these methods differ because they use a broad range of characteristics. These
systems measure different aspects of human identification. The most common measurement
techniques used are single one-dimension signal (like voice identification), single twodimensional image (fingerprint recognition), multiple two-dimensional measures (hand
geometry) and a time series of two-dimensional images (face and iris identification) (Modi 3337).
After identification of the above types of biometric technologies available, researchers
used their qualities to determine which option best suits the aspects shown above. Most
biometric technologies share same characteristics, and it becomes hard to determine which one is
the best among all. According to their performance and effectiveness, the fingerprint recognition
and hand geometry ranks as the best biometric technologies in the world today. The two methods
are widely used in most applications today, but finger recognition is the most commonly used
due to its low cost and accuracy. Hand geometry requires a complicated system apart from using
large equipments although its results are similar to those achieved in fingerprint recognition. This
makes fingerprint the best biometric technology to use today (Csongrády and Elena 196-197).
An ideal biometric technology must possess five qualities. These are distinctiveness,
robustness, accessibility, availability, and acceptability. The biometric technique in question is a
fingerprint recognition technology. In terms of robustness, this is the most robust method that
can be used for identification. There is never a single moment that an individual can change his
or her fingerprint patterns; also, fingerprints differ in all individuals. Fingerprint recognition
process measures robustness by the “false non-match rate” that measures the probability of an
image to match the enrollment image. Taking into consideration the iris recognition process, an
individual could have an iris similar to another person, and this introduces an issue of identical
matches (Modi 25-29).
Secondly, an acceptable biometric technology must be accessible. Fingerprint recognition
process is the easiest method to access among all other processes. In addition, electronic sensors
easily use fingerprints because they are located openly. Accessibility of a fingerprint recognition
process is measured by the system’s ‘throughput rate’. In addition, the system has the ability to
process many individual fingerprint patterns at any one given time without a lot of delay. On the
other hand, the effectiveness of a biometric process is determined by its availability. Fingerprint
recognition process has been used since time immemorial, and it is highly available. Almost
every organization today uses this process because of its less complexity and it is readily
available (Csongrády and Elena 200-203).
Moreover, the fourth key aspect of fingerprint recognition is distinctiveness. Fingerprint
recognition system bears the ability to show significant variation over populations. The system is
distinct because it only accepts individual fingerprints and raises an alarm in case it senses a
mismatch. Finally, the fingerprint biometric system is readily acceptable. The process is used by
many large organizations in recognizing their staff while they enter and leave the company
premises. Most people like this system because it is fast, effective and does not require a lot of
training to use (Csongrády and Elena 203).
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Fingerprint recognition biometric technique
Biometrics technologies that use physiological traits are commonly used in today’s
applications because they enhance the security for physical and logical access to systems. Even if
most physiological biometric techniques offer many advantages over behavioral techniques, they
are still vulnerable to attacks. An individual must decide on the best alternative that has low
capability to attack (Wayman et al 13). Fingerprint recognition technology is the best among all
other techniques given above. The system is extremely useful in most applications because
fingerprints found most primary use as accurate identification methods. Fingerprints are used for
identifying an individual because of their uniqueness and consistency over a long period. On the
other hand, fingerprint recognition method has been used over decades and as recently been
automated because of the advancement in technology. This shows that the method was taken as
the most accurate and cost effective over any other identification process. On the other hand,
fingerprint recognition process is extremely effective because it is easier to acquire. It also
provides numerous sources available for collection (ten fingers) at once (Csongrády and Elena
213-215).
The automated fingerprint recognition technology finds successful use around the globe
by both law-enforcing and civilian applications. This biometric system continues to be the
dominant method because many identity management and security access applications continue
using it because of its proven performance, availability of a variety of databases and its low cost.
In addition, it is the only biometric technique accepted in law courts for convicted criminal
persecution. In addition, fingerprint recognition technology has been used for an exceedingly
long time, and new researches methods have been developed to assist improve the process’s
performance and effectiveness. This forms the only biometric system can combine a variety of
features without confusing the database. Moreover, the process has the capacity to store millions
of fingerprints in the database and perform issues such as distance recognition. Fingerprint
identification technique forms a secure and revocable scientifically established process that is
unique and poses a challenge to other biometric technologies (Csongrády and Elena 213-214).
How the process works
Fingerprint technology uses various acquisition devices like ink-less methods (senses
finger ridges), live-scan fingerprint scanners (optical methods, CMOS capacitance, ultrasound
sensing and thermal sensing). Once collected, fingerprints appear in the form of the series of
dark lines representing peak for portions of friction ridge skin and the valleys between the ridges
appear as white spaces. The technology bases its identification on the direction and location of
the ridge endings and splits along ridge paths using three levels. The information collected from
a fingerprint’s friction ridge includes the flow of friction ridges that forms the first level of
recognition. The second level determines the availability or absence of features on the individual
friction lines and the sequences. In addition, the third level analyzes details of a single ridge. The
process recognizes an individual based on the first and second levels. Figure 1 shows a
representation of a fingerprint identification process (Csongrády and Elena 198).
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Figure 1: fingerprint identification process
Fingerprint matching techniques fall under two categories: minutiae and correlation
based. Minutiae category works by pointing and mapping its relative placement on the finger.
The minutiae approach has trouble hence, is not commonly used. For instance, a system has
trouble in extracting the minutiae points especially with low quality fingerprints. In addition, the
process fails to take into consideration the global pattern of ridges and furrows. On the other
hand, correlation technique uses a precise location of the registration point. Image rotation and
translation affects this method but can overcome some difficulties that minutiae cannot
(Csongrády and Elena 198-200).
In biometrics, the most crucial terms are identification, recognition and verification. A
biometric technology that performs all the three terms effectively is termed as the best (Modi
55). Fingerprint recognition technique performs the three terms making it the most common
biometric technique used in most industries today. In comparison with speaker identification
method, fingerprint identification possesses many qualities desired of a biometric technology.
The speaker identification has shortcomings because someone can imitate another person’s
speech and get unwanted authentication. In addition, speaker identification has a problem with
misspoken and mislead phrases that make it hard for the system to authenticate a user correctly.
Fingerprint recognition avoids all these problems because human fingerprints remain with the
same pattern irrespective of age. On the other hand, face recognition process requires a
sophisticated software material to implement that makes it get limited use in the society today.
Moreover, face identification is prone to errors because some people have similar appearances,
example of identical twins (Csongrády and Elena 209-213).
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Aspects of fingerprint recognition that makes it the best biometric technology today
Cost effective of fingerprint recognition system
In terms of cost, fingerprint recognition technique is one of the most cost effective
biometric methods used today. Fingerprint recognition process identifies a person in a nonrepudiated manner. The process enhances user convenience and reduces or eliminates
management costs because it provides user-specific provision. These cost benefits make many
organizations adopt fingerprint biometrics for identifying their employees. On the other hand, the
system uses only three processes to complete user identification. These processes make
fingerprint recognition system easier and cheap to design. In general, development of a
fingerprint recognition device reduces the cost in the following ways. Firstly, it gets rid of paper
card and any other cost associated with cards like ribbons. Secondly, the system helps managers
in effectively managing the attendance of their staff members ensuring time effective operations
that in return saves most unnecessary costs. On the other hand, fingerprint recognition process
forms the only low cost public recognition process that assists in identifying and detecting
frauds. Organizations whose employees have been registered in the biometric system records low
theft cases because such people have a low probability of committing crimes (Csongrády and
Elena 230-231).
Fingerprint recognition devices also save cost because it requires simple software
applications unlike iris recognition and retinal scanning techniques that require complicated and
expensive software to operate. In addition, the system is extremely economical because it uses
simple biometric personal computer user authentication technique that comes at a low cost. On
the other hand, the materials used to develop a fingerprint recognition device are readily
available and cheap to acquire. Some biometric techniques, for example voice recognition, make
use of very complicated materials and hardware that come with high costs of buying and
installing. Finally, fingerprint recognition system does not require a lot of experience to install
hence technicians charge less compared to other biometric techniques. Most organizations have
been competing for the fast growth market for biometric techniques that led into lowering the
cost for buying and installing fingerprint recognition. The competition has driven this system
down making it a common technology for most security applications (Csongrády and Elena 233).
A clear analysis of fingerprint recognition process shows that it is the cheapest among
other biometrics with the technology costing as low as $100. The cost of using iris recognition
ranges between $2,000 and $2,500. On the other hand, the cost of using face recognition is
approximately $1,000 while hand geometry costs about $500. From the above information,
fingerprint recognition technique is the most cost effective and reliable biometric method. In
addition, the process is cost effective because once a user’s fingerprints are registered in the
database, they maintain there as long as the person is alive. It eliminates costs associated with
change of use authentication process like passwords (Csongrády and Elena 234).
Accuracy of fingerprint recognition biometric technique
It being a security system, we need to ask ourselves whether it can be beaten. This
question is only answerable if there is a clue as to what the system wishes to achieve and the
most valuable thing that requires security. Accuracy forms a vital aspect of a biometric
technology because it determines its effectiveness. While most sensitive government computer
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systems store individual information in forms of name, address, and other valid information,
fingerprint recognition process only requires fingerprint patterns for identification. These
systems base their identification process on data stored from images. In addition, fingerprint
images have the ability to appear in an infinite number of scans for accuracy purposes. The
clarity of the image determines the success of searching for a fingerprint match in the database.
Fake samples defeat most biometric techniques, for instance a person can use an artificial face
for identification in face biometric technology. Fingerprint system is hard to confuse with fake
fingerprints because the ridge sensors are extremely sensitive and easily discovers any wrong
pattern in the system. The smart card technologies combined with fingerprint recognition process
boosts its high levels of accuracy than any other biometric process. Moreover, the uniqueness of
fingerprint identification system makes it easier for detection and prevention of copies. The
following aspect contrasts this biometric technology from user IDs and passwords that are easier
to replicate and use by sophisticated computer programs to gain access (Csongrády and Elena
240-242).
In addition, the identification process uses an automated fingerprint identification
process that has an exceptionally high precision hence, eliminates chances of making mistakes.
The automated system has been termed as the most accurate identification method that has
passed many tests in terms of integration and reliability. Traditionally, the process was used by
law enforcement agencies in identifying criminals, but its accuracy has provoked private sectors
to use it as an employee’s background checking tool. The accuracy of fingerprint biometric
system is seen on the verification process. The fingerprint recognition systems are highly
designed to memorize different fingerprint patterns and give accurate results for individual users.
To improve its accuracy, the system has been designed for individuals to press five or ten fingers
on the reader. In the past, users only used to press two fingers for identification, but the system
was seen not to be more accurate (Csongrády and Elena 245-246; Modi 177).
Speed of the fingerprint recognition technique
When analyzing what the best biometric technology is the speed of operation plays a key
role. Best biometric technologies always are fast in performance and require less time to carryout
the identification process. The selection of a fingerprint recognition technique meets the above
demand because the process takes place faster compared to other biometric processes. In an
experiment to determine the performance evaluation of a fingerprint recognition device, it was
realized that the system utilizes very few seconds to identify a person. It is without doubt that
this process is the most efficient because the user only requires placing fingers in a biometric
scanner and the system makes a positive or negative identification. The user does not require
memorizing passwords in order to get access to the required facility as opposed to other forms of
authentications (Csongrády and Elena 250).
The type of algorithm used in recording fingerprints on the computer database determines
the speed of operation of the system. In the automatic finger-detection algorithm, the scanner
automatically looks for the presence of a finger on its surface, and as soon as a person places a
finger on the scanner, it alerts the system. The iris recognition process records low speed
because the image must pass many processes before the system recognizes the user. Secondly,
the automatic finger-capture algorithm receives a series of images immediately after the system
senses a finger. The fingerprint-capture algorithm determines the frame in the image sequence
and uses it for processing the scanned image. Finally, a valid detection algorithm determines the
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consistence of the finger by ensuring that it is from a living human being. All these processes
take place in a fraction of a second, and the system does not record any delays (Csongrády and
Elena 251-252).
Not easier to steal
Most people have tried to fake their identities in order to access other people’s
information or properties. The fingerprint recognition system is a difficult to fool biometric
technique that identifies fake identities. The sensors on the market use a variety of means to
circumvent them but such attempts are likely to happen. For instance, just after a legitimate user
accesses the system someone may attempt to use latent print residue on the sensor. On the other
hand, people might want to present a standalone finger not connected to any living body.
Fingerprint recognition device consists of sensitive materials that determine whether the finger
placed on the scanner is dead or alive. These sensors contain detectors for blood-oxygen level,
pulse, blood flow, humidity, temperature, and skin conductivity. Unfortunately, no technology
gives perfect-false positives and spoiled readings from time to time (Csongrády and Elena 222225).
Most people today believe in the strength of password authentication processes as the
most effective method of securing personal and organizational data and information. Such people
should learn more on the accuracy of fingerprint recognition technique that is hard to crack in the
absence of the user. Moreover, most helpdesk calls use password authentication method that
poses many threats from computer hackers. Scanners are the most affordable and effective means
of securing data irrespective of where they are located. Some people may incorporate them in
computer keyboards and mouse, or even place them independently near the main entrance
(Wayman et al 99-111).
A person might also decide to alter his or her fingerprint in different means for various
reasons. For instance, a user whose record does not appear on the database might use a fake
finger that resembles legitimate user’s fingerprints to access the system. This process has been
used by prisoners who cover their fingerprints with other materials like polythene papers and
gloves to avoid being identified by fingerprint scanners. To cope with this problem, aliveness
detection process has been introduced that helps detect whether the finger is live. Different vital
signs of the finger like pulse, deformation and perspiration are used to detect the liveness of a
finger. Such software materials are expensive but extremely useful in detecting any unauthorized
authentication hence, minimizing theft cases (Modi 58-61).
Also in terms of security, fingerprint recognition process offers the method of securing
anonymous transactions. Finger geometry can be used to verify secure transactions involving
sensitive objects. In addition, the process can be used for anonymous health care screening
processes where a patient uses the process for the registration process instead of using a name or
any other physical identification. Some patients might be in critical conditions and fingerprint
recognition is the only identification method that can be used on such cases. On the other hand,
people fear technology, especially identification process because of exposure to personal data.
For security purposes, fingerprint recognition technology requires no personal data in the
database (Csongrády and Elena 226-227).
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Harmless
The main purpose of using biometrics today is for safety and security. The selected
biometric technology should have the capability of causing no harm to its users in one way or
another. Since computer came into use, people have tried to figure out different ways of securing
data. The use of fingerprint recognition technique forms the most safe and efficient method of
recognizing individuals for security purposes. Fingerprint recognition process is harmless in the
following ways. Firstly, the process does not involve any body piercing as opposed to the DNA
process where an individual’s organ or blood is extracted to feed into the database. Fingerprint
biometric technology only requires an individual to place his or her fingers in a scanner where
the fingerprints are copied (Csongrády and Elena 233-235).
Secondly, the process does not involve the use of strong waves like x-rays and other
harmful waves. Some biometric processes, like Iris identification process, use lights with strong
wavelengths that can cause harm to a user’s eye. X-rays and other strong wavelengths have
proven to cause problems in human bodies when used over a long prolonged period. Such effects
associated with these wavelengths include cancer development and damage of body tissue where
the rays are mostly concentrated. Moreover, the iris identification process involves eye tissues
that are extremely delicate and can cause blindness in case the machine produces more waves
than required. The fingerprint recognition technique avoids such problems because there are no
harmful waves used and, fingers are less likely to be affected compared to other body parts like
the eye (Csongrády and Elena 235).
Thirdly, fingerprint recognition process offers a more secure means of identification
compared to other processes. Once the machine recognizes the fingerprints and correctly
identifies a user, a pass is granted. In facial identification, the systems are prone to a lot of
insecurity especially when the database fails to recognize a user face. Sometimes, the system can
take a longer time to grant a user access causing waiting risks where evil people can attack or rob
an individual. The finger scanner does not take a lot of user’s time making it impossible for
attackers to intimidate a user (Csongrády and Elena 236).
Finally, the fingerprint recognition process has passed the security test done in the United
States under the USA Patriot Act and Border Security Act. The research conducted to access the
capability of fingerprint recognition technique to meet both large-scale and small-scale
requirements in the real world became successful. The system was found to have extremely
limited errors when used in a number of data sets. In addition, the process recorded the least
number of complaints from users as opposed to other biometric processes available today. The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recommended integrated automated fingerprint
identification system as the most secure and safer way of recording criminal identities. In
addition, the process is used to identify terrorists by taking fingerprint samples at the crime scene
and running them in the database for identification. In the process, people’s safety is assured and
wrong doers cause less harm (Wayman 88-91).
Fingerprint recognition does not give a lot of information
Fingerprint recognition process does not require a lot of information from the user for it
to be effective. The system is unlike other biometric technologies like hand geometry and face
identification that require the user to provide detailed information about oneself. The following
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feature makes fingerprint technology one of the most widely used biometric systems today
because individuals take less time to register in the system database. On some instances, a user is
required to provide information about one or two fingers whereas other systems require a person
to provide all ten fingers. The process of identification is fast and efficient especially when
scanning one finger. The amount of information recorded in one finger is enough for identifying
a person and creates no room for errors. In addition, fingerprint recognition only requires
information derived from individual fingers and nothing more. The unique code developed while
scanning a finger can only code that particular finger, and an attempt to introduce a different
finger creates an error. Fingerprint identification differs from the hand geometry that requires
information on five fingers and a palm to grant an authentication. When information about one
finger lacks, the system cannot work inconveniencing users (Csongrády and Elena 250-253).
Conclusion
Biometrics is one of the unique identity approaches offering a combination of user
convenience, provisioning, non-repudiated compliance for process operator and cost-effective.
The above discussion has given various reasons why fingerprint recognition technology is the
best biometric technology in the world in terms of cost, safety, accuracy, amount of information
required, security and speed. Fingerprint recognition has also kept in pace with the high rate of
technological advancement. The first fingerprint identification processes worked by a person
dipping a finger in ink while this has improved to the current day where live-scanners are used. I
would recommend fingerprint recognition biometric technology to all organizations and
industries across the world because it offers quality services at a reasonable cost. Moreover, this
technology needs advancement to ensure systems sense when a person is forced to place fingers
on the scanner, especially during robbery.
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Cited works
Csongrády, T. and Elena, P.. "Spectral Biometrical Recognition Of Fingerprints." Central
European Journal of Computer Science 1.2, 2011. pp. 194-254.
Modi, S. K.. Biometric technologies and applications. Boston [u.a.: Artech House Publ.,
2011. Print.
Wayman, L., Jain, A. K. Maltoni, D. and Maio, D.. An Introduction to Biometrics Authentication
System: Biometric Systems Technology, Design and Performance evaluation. 2005. Web