What is biometric security?
Biometrics is an automated means for the authentication of identity, based on an anatomical or physical characteristic of a person and an enrolled template of that same characteristic. Unlike a password, PIN or token device, biometric characteristics cannot be forgotten, lost or stolen and can be effectively used to prevent fraud.
How accurate is iris recognition technology?
Iris recognition is based on the most mathematically unique biometric – the iris of the eye. The human iris is absolutely unique, even between twins or an individual's right and left eyes.
A number of objective tests and evaluations over the last eight years have identified iris recognition technology as the most accurate biometric. The most recent of these evaluations was reported by the United Kingdom's National Physical Laboratory in April 2001.
What is identification versus verification?
Identification is a one-to-many match, while verification a one-to-one match against the stored templates. Very few biometrics have the capability for high-speed exhaustive search of a database to produce a result without the prior input of a card, PIN, or some other call-up feature to provide the template for comparison. Still, in almost every initial application of biometrics, verification is acceptable because databases are small and the need for extensive anti-fraud screening may not be evident. In e-commerce however, or any high volume transaction application, as well as for complex security requirements, the ability for accurate, high-speed, discovery of ALL identities associated with the presented live template will be crucial.
Do any industry standards exist for iris recognition?
The only industry standard that is publicly available is BioAPI. This is an application programming interface standard and Iridian will be releasing product compatibility with BioAPI.
Iridian Technologies is committed to the principles of notice, access and choice as advocated by the International Biometric Industry Association (IBIA), of which Iridian is a founding member. Iridian and IBIA are proactive in developing public policy for the ethical use of all biometric technology.
What are the privacy issues associated with biometrics?
Protecting the privacy of citizens is a crucial concern for Iridian Technologies. Iridian's iris recognition technology is strictly “opt in.” The user will consciously elect to participate by presenting his/her eye to the camera. They must be within a capture zone, which is approximately 19-21 inches away from the camera. Therefore, the technology cannot work without the explicit cooperation of the end-user.
What makes this solution interesting to the business community?
The business community is in critical need of finding accurate, secure and cost-effective alternatives to passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) as financial losses increase dramatically year over year from computer-based fraud such as computer hacking and identity theft. Further, the automation of MIS departments and security personnel that have to manage password/PIN administration can relieve an administrative burden and result in a more streamlined organization with a focus on core competencies.
Does anyone else provide a solution like this?
Other biometric solutions include fingerprinting, facial scanning and voice recognition. None of these solutions can offer the unparalleled levels of accuracy found with iris recognition technology.
