Biometrics: A Double Edged Sword - Security and Privacy

Certainly, one cannot ignore that the events of September 11th have spurred an increased activity of private and public interest in security and especially, biometrics. This has raised concerns that reacting too quickly with rapid implementations of a technology that some are still trying to grapple with, may result in sacrificing privacy rights in the name of security. In fact, it is highly likely most people would be willing to sacrifice some degree of privacy for protection following those terrorist acts. The individual who understands what biometrics is and how it is deployed, is provided a basis for realizing its use for security, discussing its strengths and weaknesses, and determining its perceived impact upon privacy rights of individuals. This paper presents an overview of biometrics in general and describes some of the issues related to biometrics vulnerabilities and security, and its other side, the protection of one's privacy. It considers that for biometrics to be publicly accepted, implementations will require cooperation between organizations and individuals, working with developed open standards that meet the demand for security and demonstrate the protection of personal privacy.