Lesson #61 - Biometric data
Ola Filipczak
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In this issue, we will dive deeper into one of the most important and fascinating aspects of digital identity: - biometric data.
Biometric data is any kind of information about an individual’s physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used for biometric recognition, which is the automatic identification or verification of individuals based on their biometric data. Some examples of biometric data are:
Fingerprint: The pattern of ridges and valleys on the tip of a finger that is unique to each person. It can be captured by a scanner or a sensor and converted into a digital template.
Face: The shape, size, and position of facial features, such as eyes, nose, mouth, chin, etc. that are distinctive to each person. It can be captured by a camera or a sensor and analyzed by a software algorithm.
Iris: The colored ring around the pupil of the eye that has a complex and random texture that is unique to each person. It can be captured by an infrared camera or a sensor and compared to a stored template.
Voice: The sound produced by the vocal cords and the mouth is influenced by the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of each person. It can be captured by a microphone or a sensor and processed by a software algorithm.
DNA: The molecule that carries the genetic code of each person that is inherited from their parents. It can be extracted from blood, saliva, hair, or other biological samples and analyzed by a laboratory technique.
Biometric data can provide several benefits for identification and authentication purposes, such as:
Convenience: Biometric data can eliminate the need to remember passwords or carry tokens that can be forgotten, lost, or stolen. It can also enable faster and easier access to services or devices.
Accuracy: Biometric data can reduce the chances of false positives or negatives that may occur with other methods of identification or authentication. It can also provide a higher level of assurance and confidence for both users and providers.
Security: Biometric data can prevent unauthorized access or impersonation by hackers, criminals, or impostors who may try to use stolen or forged credentials. It can also deter fraud or identity theft. However, biometric data also poses some challenges and risks, such as:
Privacy: Biometric data may reveal sensitive or personal information about an individual, such as their health, ethnicity, age, gender, etc. It may also be accessed, shared, or sold by third parties without their consent or knowledge.
Data protection: Biometric data may be stolen or compromised by hackers, criminals, or malicious actors who may use it for nefarious purposes. It may also be damaged or corrupted by errors, accidents, or environmental factors.
Inclusion: Biometric data may not be available or suitable for some individuals who may have physical or mental disabilities, injuries, illnesses, or variations that may affect their biometric features. It may also be affected by cultural or religious factors that may influence their willingness or ability to provide their biometric data.
We hope you enjoyed this newsletter and find it informative and engaging. If you do, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in digital identity.
And if you have any feedback or suggestions for future topics, please let us know.
It’s been a pleasure to share this article with you today. I hope you found it informative and interesting. I’ll be back next Sunday with more insights and stories. Until then, I wish you a great day and all the best.👋.