The term Biometrics is made from two words – ‘Bio (Greek work)’ and ‘Metrics’ which may be roughly translated as human/life (bio) measurements (metrics). To say “Life/Human measurements ” does not adequately qualify the term Biometrics. Biometrics refers to a concept that is more peculiar, more unique, and specific than that. An irrefutable, untransferrable, absolutely owned phenomenon.
Biometrics is a field of technology that focuses on identifying or verifying individuals based on physiological or behavioral characteristics. These characteristics include fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, voice patterns, and even typing rhythm/ nuance. Biometric systems
refers to the science designed to capture these unique characteristics and use them to verify a person’s identity. This has been found to be an indispensable science as proven by extensive research and the complete reforms and great contributions that have been made to Security & Intelligence Systems around the world.
There are two main types of Biometric Systems: identification and verification.
- Identification systems are used to determine a person’s identity by comparing biometric data against a database of stored records to find a match.
- Verification systems, conversely, confirm that a person is who they claim to be by comparing their biometric data against a template stored in a database or on a token (like a smart card).
Biometric systems have several advantages over traditional identification methods, such as passwords or PINs. They are more secure because biometric data is unique to each individual and difficult to forge. Biometric systems are also more convenient, as users do not need to remember passwords or carry physical tokens.
However, biometric systems also raise privacy concerns, as they involve the collection and storage of sensitive personal information. Biometric systems need to be designed and implemented in a way that protects the privacy and security of individuals’ biometric data. Hence, the growth of the billion-dollar biometric industry that currently exists; according to Global Markets Insights, the global biometric market is expected to top USD 50 billion by 2024, with mobile biometrics bringing in the bulk of the aforementioned revenue.