Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

FARYAL SIDDIQUI*

Biometric Technology

Abstract:

Biometrics are physics characteristics that can be used to identify individuals. Biometric

technologies refer to the use of technology to identify a person or for identifying individuals

who are under surveillance. It has contributed to boosting the advancement in Digital

electronics. Every process of biometrics needs a sensor or device to read and input.

Introduction:

A new era of engineering science has emerged over the past few years, and its

products are likely to generate a significant market shortly. It has been referred to as

“biometrics”. It refers to the rapidly expanding branch of science that uses biological patterns

to verify people's identities. This involves taking a picture of a person's defining

characteristic, such as a fingerprint, hand, eye, or face, and comparing it to a template

previously taken. This has been oversimplified for clarity of explanation, but this is how

biometric technology works.

The first biometric identification system wasn't created until the 1800s, even though the

earliest examples of biometrics may be found in the Babylonian era. Alphonse Bertillon, a

Frenchman, developed a system for identifying and classifying criminals based on their

physical characteristics. Despite its flaws, Bertillon's technique served as the basis for the use

of physical traits to verify identity. Fingerprints were first commonly used to identify crimes

and sign contracts in the 1880s. People's fingerprints, which serve as a symbol of identity,

became widely known.

 Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

Though the developer of the fingerprint identification method is not known for sure, Edward

Henry is believed to have developed the Henry Classification System. The first system to use

fingerprints for identification was that one, which relied on individual details. The Henry

Classification System became the standard for criminal identity authentication as soon as

Bertillon's methods were phased out by law enforcement. In addition, this sparked a century

of research into additional distinct biological factors that could be used for identification.

Biometrics allows a person to be identified and authenticated based on recognizable and

verifiable data, unique and specific. To determine resemblance, biometric authentication

compares the person's characteristic data to their biometric “template”. Most of the time,

biometric authentication is used to control who can access physical and digital resources like

buildings, rooms, and computers. Each of these biometric technologies, including biometric

identification, iris and retina scanning, facial recognition, motion analysis, voice analysis,

DNA analysis, and more, can be used to accurately identify and authenticate people by fusing

their physiological or behavioural traits with data from digital databases that describe their

identities. Biometric authentication uses biometrics to make sure people are whom they say

they are, while biometric identification uses biometrics like fingerprints or retina scans to

identify a person.

An automated or computerized process called biometric technology is essential for security

and identification. In place of conventional techniques like passwords and pin codes, it offers

enhanced recognition or authentication methods. In a variety of businesses, including banks,

financial organizations, airports, medical facilities, and many more fields, the use of

biometrics is becoming more widespread. It helps keep information safe from any fraudulent

activity and offers secure and long-lasting security benefits to the person or organization.
 Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

By using biometric technology, it is possible to confirm security through a person's identity,

aiding in the preservation of papers, data, and privacy. It has the potential to help society in a

good way due to its sustainability and outstanding future advantages.

 Toto secure specific information about an individual or a group, banks and other

financial organizations frequently use biometrics.

 This method aids in ensuring transparent immigration and personal identification

process at airports.

 Different businesses or organizations are switching to biometric time clocks from the

more conventional methods of recording employee attendance.

 It is implemented into jail administration to make the facility unbreakable and used by

the law enforcement department to maintain and keep track of inmates.

 businesses and organizations employ biometrics to safeguard their facilities and limit

access to just those who are genuine or given permissions.

 New biometric security measures or passwords have also been introduced by

telecommunications firms or mobile manufacturers, providing superior security

features to its consumers and securing their data.

Even though biometric technology offers greater security, effectiveness, and simplicity,

biometric authentication and its application in present technology and digital applications

have drawbacks which are as follows:

 The first disadvantage of biometrics is its costs. It requires a large investment.

 After all these securities, it's still possible to hack biometric databases.

 Users' privacy may be restricted by biometric devices like facial recognition systems.

 To reduce biometric demographic bias, machine learning and algorithms must be

pretty advanced.
 Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

 It has accuracy issues like Selected users may still experience false rejects and false

accepts, blocking them from accessing systems.

Touchless techniques of biometric verification are becoming more popular today. Following

the Covid-19 pandemic, staying untouchable has become the best course of action for people.

Moreover, several touchless biometric attendance systems are performing far better in terms

of accuracy.

Complex issues arising from and for such systems are becoming more prevalent quickly.

The automation of human identity identification may be the most significant concern since it

fuels worries about the potential for a surveillance society. Although using biometric

technology is not intended to invade one's privacy, there are many instances where the

production, storage, comparison, and potential linking of digital data with other information

about the person raise serious concerns about the blending of the lines between privacy and

security as well as security and surveillance.

The development of biometric technology and its application to the identification and

authentication of people will probably have a significant effect on human society.

While the quickly developing biometric technologies appear to provide the identity and

authentication answer that nations so desperately need, their use is also posing significant

security questions. The possibility for hacking and the necessity to safeguard obtained

biometric data from abuse and exploitation when it is being collected, processed, stored, and

accessed are at the heart of the security problem. Furthermore, it appears that nations lack the

necessary processes, regulations, tools, and technology to adequately safeguard the fast-

expanding biometric data or indicators.

 Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

If we talk about the trends in which biometrics or biometric technology is used, new

biometric security solutions are being introduced in response to document fraud and identity

theft, terrorism and cybercrime, and changes in international laws. Installing biometric

systems is made simpler by rising public acceptance, significant accuracy improvements, a

rich offer, and lowering prices for sensors, I.P. cameras, and software. Currently, this

technique is used in numerous applications.

The use of biometric verification systems is a growing trend that is altering our way of life.

To safeguard an individual's privacy and security as well as those of institutions, it is used in

practically every industry and area.

In the not-too-distant future, facial recognition technology will be more widely used to access

personal gadgets for authentication and restructuring. By giving our judicial and law

enforcement organizations the space to have data security via biometric verification

technologies and to keep the records of criminals and case files secure, it will undoubtedly

bring about change. We will be able to communicate and move data between systems with

this technology without worrying about it being stolen. It will offer security, comfort, and

simplicity
 Journal of Research Society of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

Referances:

https://www.spectra-vision.com/resources/history-of-biometric-technology/

https://www.m2sys.com/blog/guest-blog-posts/biometric-technology-definition-advantages-
prospects/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/03/09/hacking-our-identity-the-emerging-
threats-from-biometric-technology/?sh=5e71e3425682

https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/biometric-authentication

https://securityboulevard.com/2022/07/what-is-the-future-of-biometric-technology-trends-to-
watch/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/03/09/hacking-our-identity-the-emerging-
threats-from-biometric-technology/?sh=5e71e3425682

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/government/inspired/
biometrics

https://www.miteksystems.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-biometrics

https://www.spectra-vision.com/resources/history-of-biometric-technology/