Different Forms of Biometrics

Biometrics are typically associated with finger scans, retina scans, and even voice recognition. However, some are turning biometrics into a more complicated system involving DNA identification. DNA is considered to be unique to a single person, much like fingerprints are, but more so. Some elements of DNA can be more complicated. However, when compared on a more specific basis, DNA analysis can be used in large governmental organizations and other businesses that are serious about privacy.

Ear recognition for example measures size, shape, and structure, but people could share similar enough ear shapes and sizes to fool the machines. Ears are not nearly as unique as DNA or a fingerprint, which is pretty typical. Facial recognition has always been more popular than ear recognition for a reason.

Likewise, gesture recognition has been used, because each person has relatively unique mannerisms and body language used on a natural basis. Even something as simple as the way you walk can be analyzed from a distance. It’s hard to recognize, but the right computers can break it down and information can be collected unobtrusively.

Gesture recognition can provide authentication, and it’s not quite as unique as one might think, but it is also harder to fake than some other options. The way a person walks provides a lot of data, and it can be stored in real time with the right cameras.

Finally, some are starting to use typing and mouse recognition for individual computers. Things like keystroke length, typing speed, error patterns, and mouse movements can all be measured to a certainty, effectively separating one person’s natural patterns from another’s over time. When only one person works on a given computer and the information on that computer is sensitive to one or even two people, this can become invaluable in protecting each individual computer rather than a whole office with say one password that can be hacked by the right person.