Picture: George Prentzas / Unsplash
Biometrics involves the analysis of the physical and behavioral characteristics that reveal our individuality. We might look the same as others, but we each have a set of biometric markers that make us unique.
While biometric technology is relied on in law enforcement to help identify missing people and criminals, it is also used in businesses and our personal lives to gain access to data, devices, and systems. Out of all possible ways to identify someone, these are some of the most reliable markers available today:
Fingerprints
We have been using fingerprints to identify people for a long time. In fact, it’s believed they were used as far back as 300 BCE in China. While fingerprints confirm the identities of missing people and criminals in law enforcement, we also utilize fingerprint technology in products like FingerTec time clocks to help businesses streamline their daily processes. Such tech can ensure accurate time calculations and provide security for sensitive data.
Voice Recognition
At least 2% of companies worldwide use voice recognition, also known as voiceprint, for authentication purposes within their daily operations. This biometric marker works by converting your voice into digital data, and it’s commonly described as one of the most convenient biometric solutions.
Voice recognition technology measures unique biological factors when certain words are spoken. The devices are generally clever enough to measure a voice when spoken casually, conversationally, and with intention. The technology’s effectiveness has made it one of the most popular authentication methods available, with the voice recognition tech market expected to be worth nearly $30 billion by 2026.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is an advanced system that can identify people in real time and by photo and video. Most of the time, facial recognition is used for security purposes and in law enforcement. However, it’s also commonly used for data access in everyday life, such as FaceID on Apple devices.
This form of tech works by detecting and locating a face, capturing and analyzing its data, and reading facial geometry. It pays close attention to features like the distance between your eyes, the distance from your chin to forehead, and the contour of your ears, chin, and lips.
Digital Signatures
Having to sign documents can be frustrating, especially as it usually means you have to visit a business in person. However, modern technology has been a game-changer in this respect.
When you don’t have to confirm your identity in other ways, many businesses now allow you to sign documents digitally. This means they can send you information via email for you to add your digital signature, and you can return the signed documents via email without either party needing to meet in person.
DNA
Law enforcement relies on DNA to solve crimes, but DNA scanners have long been out of reach of the general public. Amazingly, that’s going to change over the coming years. We’ll soon be able to perform our own DNA sequencing with portable DNA scanners. Such tech enables you to perform DNA matches in a matter of minutes.
According to research published in Nature Biotechnology in 2018, scientists used a pocket-sized portable DNA sequencer with nanopore sequencing technology to sequence a complete human genome.
Passwords have long been an effective way to access technology and data, but these codes are often easy to hack. Biometric markers are unique to you, meaning they present a far greater challenge to criminals who wish to access your accounts or steal your data. If you haven’t yet thought about biometric technology for your home or business, now might be the right time to review your options.
