Biometrics alone shouldn't be used for access to highly confidential data unless you've thoroughly tested the technology. If your goal is strong authentication, more proven technologies--hardware and software tokens and passwords--work well. And despite a recent decrease in the cost of biometric devices, these old standbys are usually a better deal. But if your goal is ease of use and reasonably strong authentication, biometric technology might be for you.
Mike Fratto is a senior technology editor based in Network Computing's Syracuse University Real-World Labs®. Write to him at [email protected].
Biometric Checklist
Questions to ask before you buy:
For details and prices on specific models, use our Interactive Buyer's Guide charts.
Diminishing False Reads
Biometric devices are most commonly used for network logins, which could mean a huge number of users of varying competence levels. If a device is hard to use, the FRR will reflect that. Consider devices that include guides to help the user place a finger in the right spot or look in the correct direction. Another option, depending on the sensitivity of the material being accessed, is to use passwords, smartcards and other means of authentication in place of your biometric device if it fails. This will, at the very least, counter those helpdesk calls asking, "How do I make this thing work?"
Industry Orgs
The BioAPI Consortium, comprising government and industry leaders, released version 1.0 of the BioAPI Specification in March 2000; version 1.1 of the specification and reference implementation came out in March 2001.
Other Industry Organizations:
The Biometric Consortium serves as the U.S. government's focal point for research, development, testing, evaluation and application of biometric-based personal identification/verification technology.
The BioSec Alliance is a multivendor initiative founded by BioNetrix in 1999 to promote enterprise authentication solutions.
The International Biometric Industry Association is a trade association founded in 1998 to look after the interests of the biometric industry.
From Gartner's July 19, 2002, technology overview, "Biometric Authentication: Perspective"
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