Biometric Recognition: Overview and Applications

Abstract

Earlier forms of person identification or verification like usernames, passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) are still in use though not sufficiently effective in handling Internet crimes, frauds and security threats. Biometric person identification is preferred because biometric identifiers are unique to each person, permanent and hardly subject to change. These advantages make biometric recognition the preferred mode for most virtual and access control. Biometrics is universal and easily implemented with existing or new technologies. This paper discusses biometric recognition; the different modalities of biometric recognition technology; their strengths, limitations and applications.