Its Computers With A Biometric Security System example essay topic

Biometric verification is used to confirm the identity of a person by digitally measuring physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, and comparing those with previously filed information. This biometric information, called bio prints, is stored in a reference database, or written on smart card the person carries. LBV combines several different biometric technologies into one product, providing security without sacrificing user convenience. By replacing - or working in concert with - current security methods (PIN codes, passwords, smart cards, tokens), biometrics improves the level of security and convenience available to the user.

During the logon process, for example, you now use a four-digit PIN code or password. Through the use of LBV, your bio prints are verified by the system. This way, you eliminate the possibility of someone else gaining access to your computer. In other words, no one can sign on as you - except you. While information security may be a company's only current biometric application, there may be a future need to use the technology for additional applications, such as physical access control.

Consequently, the need for other methods, such as facial scans and fingerprint imaging, will come to the forefront. Biometric security products are taking up the overall market of security products in their operations. Biometric security devices will verify your identity based on the unique attributes of your fingerprints, facial features, voice or even your handwriting. Recent breakthroughs in microchip technology and manufacturing processes have reduced both the size and the price of biometric devices. Taking advantage of such innovations, a small but growing number of PC makers, including Hewlett-Packard, are planning to incorporate biometric devices such as fingerprint readers into the keyboards and laptop casings of future product lines. Still, given the cost and effort involved in switching from passwords to a relatively unproven technology like voice verification or fingerprint reading, why should a small business protect its computers with a biometric security system?

Because passwords have simply ceased to provide an adequate level of computer security, says Robert Clyde, vice president and general manager of the Security Management Business Unit at AGENT Technologies Inc., a Rockville, Maryland, provider of information security solutions. Unfortunately, password cracking has become pretty straightforward, Clyde says. Users choose passwords that are pretty easy to guess, and password-cracking programs are getting more powerful. Even passwords that were thought to be secure five years ago may not be secure today. Another reason to upgrade to biometrics is convenience.

The biggest difference between biometrics and a password is that a fingerprint is a password you just dont forget, says Ed Murrer of Santa Clara, California, Veri dicom Inc., a manufacturer of fingerprint readers. In a few larger corporations, its been shown that 50 percent of help-desk calls are related to forgotten passwords. It also means your IT manager will spend less time changing, updating and tracking passwords, and more time on important business functions. While fingerprinting's similarity to police booking procedures might bother some people, Murrer says it hasn't really been an issue.

The people who adopt this technology know they have a security problem and believe the cure is worth the medicine, he says. Fingerprint readers are used to authenticate users, not identify them..