Biometrics: Are YOU the Key to Security?

In the United States, storage and retrieval of digital information is relatively commonplace. Our schools teach children as young as age four how to manipulate a mouse and keyboard. Even some families whose income falls below the national poverty level have a personal computer in their home. We play games, keep in touch, purchase items and to work, all from a computer. International Data Corp (IDC) reported worldwide sales of PCs of 31.4 million computers in the first quarter of 2002 (Lateline News). Considering the ease of use, early training, the common practice of digitizing information, and the sheer numbers of computers, it is no wonder that cyber crime is steadily increasing. Cyber crime is sometimes hard to detect and even more difficult to prosecute. The more sophisticated the defenses, the more sophisticated the criminal. How do we fight this trend? Leaders in information technology are touting the prospect of biometrics as a safeguard against some information attacks, especially since 9/11. This paper will discuss the concepts behind the emerging biometrics craze along with its efficiency, cost, privacy issues, and success versus failure rate.