Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing individuals based on physiological or behavioral characteristics. Features measured by biometric technology include face, fingerprints, hand geometry, handwriting, iris, retina, vein, and voice. Biometric technologies are becoming the foundation of an extensive array of highly secure identification and personal verification solutions. The increasing occurrence of security breaches and transaction fraud reinforces the need for highly secure identification and personal verification technologies. With the increased focus on counter-terrorism and airport security, facial recognition technology has become one of the most widely recognized applications of biometrics.

Biometric-based solutions ensure confidential financial transactions and personal data privacy. The need for biometrics can be found in federal, state, and local governments; the military; and the private sector. Enterprise-wide network security infrastructures, federal building security, government IDs, secure electronic banking, investments and other financial transactions, retail sales, law enforcement, airport security, and health and social services are already benefitting from biometric technologies. However, these technologies must be evaluated to determine which ones are being successfully implemented. An overview of evaluating biometric technology for airport security and properly evaluating technology provides a viable starting point for assessing biometric technologies.

Resources are available to provide you with a more extensive introduction to biometrics. Various agencies and organizations are dedicated to creating, evaluating, and improving biometric technology. The Biometric Consortium serves as the Federal Government's focal point for research, development, testing, evaluation, and application of biometric-based technology. The International Biometric Industry Association is a trade association founded to advance, advocate, and defend the interests of the biometric industry. The Aviation Security Biometrics Working Group works to accelerate the study of the integration of biometrics into airport security systems.

Legislative actions are currently addressing this increased focus on improving technologies to assist in counter-terrorism efforts. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 provides tools, including biometric technology, required to intercept and obstruct terrorism. In addition, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 calls for improved aviation security, which includes a focus on new and emerging technologies such as biometrics, a review of biometrics effectiveness in U.S. airports, and other potential initiatives related to biometrics.

In addition to the material given above, the following resources will provide you with information on biometric technology.

Related Publications

Biometrics: Facing Up to Terrorism (PDF)
RAND Arroyo Center, October 2001

Face Recognition at a Chokepoint: Scenario Evaluation Results (PDF)
Department of Defense Counterdrug Technology Development Program, November 2002

Facial Recognition Vendor Test 2000: Evaluation Report (PDF)
Department of Defense Counterdrug Technology Development Program, February 2001

Additional Resources

Biometrics Catalog

International Biometric Group

The Biometrics Institute