Biometrics: What you need to know

I recently wrote a short article about Biometrics (see below) and thought it would be a good thing to include it with this great news from Iraq:

Biometric identity system called 'success' in Iraq

Here's my article:

Before he can start his day, he must undergo an optical retinal scan and voice-print identification followed by numerous other procedures that prepare him to enter his Biosafety Level 5 laboratory. Here he will work on Project Star Flower 1 (fka "Lotus"), on Genesis Seed, and with EBE AQ-J-Rod (aka "J-Rod") who briefs him on the Convergent Time Line.

The X-Files? No, it's just one way the U.S. Government has already employed modern biometrics.

The dictionary defines biometrics in two ways:

• Statistical study of biological data: the application of statistical techniques to biological data

• Identification of somebody to electronic system: the use of measurable, biological characteristics such as fingerprints or iris patterns to identify a person to an electronic system

The English biometric school developed from the work of the polymath Francis Galton (1822-1911), cousin of Charles Darwin. This is relevant to the first definition.

As for the second, in 2002 the National Institute for Standards & Technology hosted the Biometrics Consortium Conference in Arlington, Virginia. Bruce P. Mehlman, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, United States Department of Commerce had this to say (taken from his address "Putting Biometrics to Work for America"):

"For many years, we have looked to biometrics as a promising, emerging technology. That calculus has now changed. At this conference over the past three days we have learned that biometrics are no longer emerging - they're here. And September 11th taught us that biometrics are more than promising - they will be essential to our future security."

Most of us would probably be surprised if we really knew just how far back in history the study of biometrics really goes...all the way back, in fact, to around 6000 B.C. with the use of fingerprints by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Japanese and Chinese.

Here is a great biometric historical timeline.

Obviously, biometrics has progressed from traditional analysis of statistical data to the programming of a sophisticated super technology that is leading us towards a more secure but portentous "Brave New World."

After 9/11, international efforts to combat terrorism started with a rush towards this technology but ended up sparking a conflict between those concerned with protecting the civil liberties of citizens and the efforts of law enforcement in cyberspace.

Biometrics is, simply, the use of body measurements to identify people. But now, experts have started warning us about its limitations such as lack of interoperability, error rates and high costs.

The main key to implementing biometrics on a large, international scale is to create common standards--just like what happened with every other technological advancement that has widespread applications. This, of course, is inevitable.

And never underestimate the needs of the business community everywhere to look to practical ways to cut costs. Measuring people's fingerprints and other body parts is a tool for controlling "buddy-punching"--employees that have a friend clock them in early or out late--and other abuses of time-and-attendance systems. One fingerprint-reading system, for example, cost just $400.

Trust me, we're heading full force into this technological biometrical future as we speak.

Kyoko Kaneda of International Biometric Group LLC estimated that total biometrics revenue will rise from $1.2 billion in 2005 to around $4.6 billion by 2008.

I'd say it's time to call your broker!