Biometrics

BIOMETRICS

• Biometrics are biological measurements — or physical characteristics — that can be used to identify individuals.

• For example, fingerprint mapping, facial recognition, and retina scans are all forms of biometric technology, but these are just the most recognized options.

Architecture of a Biometric System

• Sensor: It acts as a go-between for the system and the outside world. It gathers from the users all the necessary data. This method of acquiring images involves obtaining the specifics of the image from other sources in order to carry out additional operations.

• Data Pre-processing: The procedure started by removing noise, mistakes, and redundancies from the input data after it had received input from the sensors. To clean up the data, normalization is done

• Feature Extraction: The process of converting the raw visual data into numerical data is called feature extraction. Several actions are carried out by feature extraction techniques to eliminate the image’s redundancy. Certain distinct characteristics of the scanned image are saved in the database once the redundant elements from the input image have been eliminated.

• Template Generator: The template is created by combining all of the features that were retrieved from the image. These templates take the shape of numerical data or vectors. All of the features that were extracted

from the image are combined to produce the template. These templates are represented as vectors or numerical data.

• Database: It keeps track of how many people use it. It assists the matcher in identifying the user by storing their biometric scan.

• Matcher: In this procedure, the matcher extracts the feature from that scanned image and uses it to query the database to see if it contains a user who requests access control of any file or property. Matcher contrasts it with the different information from the scanned pictures.

• Output: The biometric system allows access if the user’s scanned photos match the data that is saved. Should the individual have no records in the database, a notification stating “NO RECORDS FOUND” or a similar one will be displayed. The input must first be pre-processed before the output can be generated.

Features

Numerous properties that biometric recognition technology possesses make it an invaluable instrument for person identification and verification. Among the essential elements are:

• Uniqueness: Since biometric attributes are intrinsically unique to each person, no two people are exactly same in their biometric characteristics.

• Universality: The biometric property under examination, like fingerprints, is universally relevant because it is possessed by the majority of people.

• Permanence: Because biometric features are comparatively stable over time, long-term recognition is guaranteed.

• Collectability: Biometric data can be collected by the technology in a convenient and non-intrusive way.

Types of Biometrics

• Physiological

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The analysis of a person’s physical traits, such as their iris, palm, or fingerprint, is known as physiological biometrics.

• These characteristics are usually fixed; as you age, the vein patterns in your palm will not alter. In general, your face’s overall shape and features won’t change to the point where it becomes unrecognizable.

• Physiological biometrics can also be used in other contexts, such as face recognition in CCTV or physical access control. Further information regarding the distinctions between face recognition and face verification can be found here.

• Physiological biometrics examples could be: Face-to-face confirmation, Face identification using fingerprint

• Behavioural

• The study of behavioral biometrics involves detecting and quantifying patterns in human behavior, such as a person’s mouse or typing routines. Organizations typically use this as a background security measure, which explains why you may not have seen it happen firsthand.

• When a person exhibits patterns and actions that deviate from expectations, this may be a sign of fraud. Once the threat has been resolved, the system may then initiate step-up authentication or temporarily suspend the account.

• Behavioral biometrics examples could be:

• Keyboard Dynamics

• Mouse/Cursor Dynamics

• Identification of Signatures

Application of Biometric Technology

• Airport Security: Large international airports have been using biometric technology to confirm passenger IDs for a number of years and the technology is rapidly expanding to new locations worldwide.

• Biometric Attendance: Biometrics is also being used more and more in the sphere of workforce management. Employee time and attendance fraud is a widespread issue in businesses all around the world.

• Law Enforcement: For many years, agencies such as the CBI have been utilizing biometrics in their criminal investigations. These days, police enforcement organizations all around the world employ biometrics extensively to identify criminals.

• Banking: The use of biometrics in banking has grown significantly over the past several years, and banks all around the world are implementing it.

• Healthcare: The application of biometrics in healthcare presents an improved paradigm. Among the most valuable personal documents are medical records. The availability of biometrically connected information aids in the quick and accurate diagnosis of conditions as well.

Biometric Recognition Technology in India

• Aadhaar: Over a billion residents have been enrolled in the huge Aadhaar initiative, which uses biometric data for identification verification in various government services.

• Financial Inclusion: Opening bank accounts and transferring benefits directly under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana are made easier by biometrics.

• E-Governance: Digital identity verification and the provision of government services are improved by biometrics.

• Security: Biometrics are used by both public and commercial institutions for safe access control and data security.

• Education: In educational institutions, biometrics simplify exam verification and attendance tracking.

Concerns associated with Biometric Technology

• Infringement of Privacy: The method puts consumers’ data privacy at risk. Without regulations, data would be vulnerable to cybercriminals. Businesses may sell biometric data that could be used improperly for political reasons since they are not subject to regulations.

• State surveillance: State monitoring is the biggest risk associated with using the device. One such instance is the alleged use of facial recognition technology in Xinjiang, China, for surveillance purposes. This is concerning because it could be abused for political ends.

• Inaccuracy: Biometric technologies are imprecise. There is evidence that the technology is not perfect. For instance, numerous studies have demonstrated that the technology is unreliable in recognizing people of color, particularly black women.

• Predatory marketing: Certain companies may utilize biometric analysis software to prey on their most vulnerable customers. One possible approach to achieve this would be to categorize strong emotions, such distress, and provide products and services specifically for these people.

Way Forward

Data is an important resource in the digital age that needs to be managed. The timing is right for India to establish a strong data protection law in this regard.

It is time for the Personal Data Protection Bill of 2019 to undergo the necessary modifications. It must be revised to make sure that user rights are prioritized along with user privacy. In order to uphold these rights, a privacy commission would need to be established.

In addition, the government would have to uphold residents’ right to privacy while advancing their access to information. The recent two to three years’ worth of technical advancements also need to be taken into consideration, as they have the potential to render the law obsolete.