APRIL 25--OpticsReport (Tucson, AZ; www.opticsreport.com), published by Breault Research Organization (www.breault.com), explains the types of biometric technologies and how these technologies use human anatomical and behavioral characteristics as passwords. A comprehensive discussion and assessment of leading biometric companies and their products for finger, facial, and eye-scan identification is provided in this latest issue of the respected optics publication.
Biometric systems scan body parts such as fingers, faces, and eyes and then use the biometric profiles obtained like keys or electronic passwords. The use of an individual's own body parts makes it virtually impossible to defeat biometric systems by stealing a person's identity, and biometric "passwords" cannot be forgotten. Relying heavily on optics, biometric devices are ready to meet ever-increasing security requirements in scores of applications.
Interest in biometrics has grown significantly due to mounting concerns about homeland security and identity fraud. According to the International Biometric Group (IBG), current global biometrics revenues of $601 million are expected to reach $4 billion by 2007. Says Gillian Glasser of IBG, "Biometrics initiatives mandated by the government, such as those contained within the USA Patriot Act, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act, will help the industry realize the growth it has been waiting for."
Widespread application of biometrics will first be seen in consumer-electronics devices not unlike the gadgetry of science-fiction films. Says Michael Stevenson, author ofOpticsReport, "Hollywood makes the technology seem futuristic, but biometric identification is rooted in reality. For less than $60 you can be logging onto your computer by fingerprint. No password. No fuss."
Kathleen Perkins, CEO and publisher ofOpticsReport, commented, "People need to understand that biometrics will replace passwords and key locks. Children today will be explaining to their grandkids how old-fashioned keys worked and how hard it was to memorize countless passwords."
