Thread: Bio-metrics: A good choice for security?

Originally Posted by Adiza

Today biometrics is popular all around the world. Every institutions rely on biometrics for their security purpose. It is far better than traditional security methods. There are so many advantages of using Biometrics, they are
Security
Accountability
Accuracy
Scalability
Convienient
Trustable
Flexibilty
Time saving etc


But it also have some dark side in it. It can have some problems like high cost.
What are the disadvantages of using Biometrics?

One of the major challenges is the process by which the biometric is captured and mapped to an identity. Lack of accuracy in capturing, partial capture of data and binding can lead to failure of the system.

Privacy is one of the biggest concerns of the biometric solution. If the servers storing biometric information is hacked, it could have extremely serious consequences for individuals.

Error in biometric devices i.e. false reject and false accept. This is usually due to the particular biometric technology being unable to read the characteristics of a given person for various reasons. The false accept is a scenario in which the device accepts an unauthorized person, and the false reject is the scenario in which the device falsely rejects an authorized person.

Another major drawback is the high cost which is involved in getting the systems up and running and also storing and maintaining the biometrics.

Integration into the security program is another issue which is relatively complex when compared to the deployment of password-based solutions.

User acceptance is a significant challenge, especially if individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of biometrics and see the technology as privacy invasive.

Apart from these, there are various other challenges like one cannot change the retina or facial scan (which is very specific to the type of solution in place) in case one thinks that his security has been compromised at any point. Also, it is not in favor for a physically challenged person.