Biometrics is the third step in a multi-factor authentication process.  In this process there are the three most commonly recognized factors: Something you know – password or pin Something you have – credit card or token Something you are – biometrics

The use of biometric technology is another layer of authentication to verify and ensure that users are who they say they are for either physical or virtual access.  Biometrics Technology is an authentication technique that relies on biological elements, such as the individual characteristics of a person's fingerprints, hand geometry, retinal or iris patters, facial patterns or voice prints.

Although biometrics has been around awhile, modern advances in miniaturization, coupled with big reductions in cost, has made biometrics now available to the average consumer and business owner. In the case of fingerprints, Datacard’s Finger Pointe™ Solution, the system takes a scan of a fingerprint and creates of a mathematical representation of it and stores this digital template in a biometric database.  This makes it easy to perform a one-to-one fingerprint matching required for biometric identity verification.

Biometrics can be used with other card-based systems, where the biometric information is stored on the card and then verified with the received biometric at the point of interaction.   By securely recording and then checking an individual’s unique biometric information the system can validate the individual’s identity.  This can be done with a smart card or biometric-specific reader.  Many users will actually display the card holder’s fingerprint on the card as a further deterrent to theft. Biometrics is being used in may applications including building access, PC and software access, attendance, banking to just name a few.

  The use of biometrics and smart cards provides security features that ensure that any type of access is safeguarded and provides a strong line of defense against forgery.  For additional information on biometric systems see capture systems.

For more information on biometrics and other multi-factor authentication solutions, please call or contact Automated Card Systems Sales and Service department.