There is some evidence that dates the use of biometrics to the Egyptians in around 3000 B.C. There is even a record of biometrics being used in the Bible. As a means of positive identification, fingerprinting for forensics was used by the law enforcement community as early as the end of the 19th century. Since this time other forms of biometrics have been used either to verify or identify a person.
Unfortunately, biometrics are often polarised into two camps:
- In some circles they have become a panacea which some believe can solve any and all of their security and/or identity issues. This typically creates usability issues and an over reliance on technology.
- Due to the close association of certain biometrics with law enforcement there is often a misconception that all biometrics are 'big brother' tactics and that providing a biometric may allow a user to be implicated in an incident they had no involvement with.
If designed and implemented properly biometrics can enhance an identity management solution and lead to increased security and cost effectiveness.
HS&S have specialists that can analyse business needs, and couple them with user requirements to translate this into an effective systems design. Our track record has led us to being involved in one of the largest biometric access control systems in the UK.
Our typical services include:
- Initial biometric technology options analysis
- Assisting with communications to the users to clear away common misconceptions
- biometric system design
- Privacy and data protection assessment
- Identity management system operational audit and effectiveness review
- System failure assessment including spoofing analysis
- Integration with other systems including access control, CCTV etc