Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQs, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions.
What are biometrics?
Simply put, biometrics technologies anchor identity to individuals by using unique and measurable biological and behavioral characteristics, referred to as modalities. Modalities are divided into two categories. Physiological biometrics measure what a person is based on unique static and physical traits like fingerprints, facial structure, iris pattern, hand geometry, or DNA. Behavioral biometrics are based on unique patterns of action and measure dynamic traits developed over time, like gait, signature, typing rhythm, or voice patterns.
What are biometrics used for?
While first used on a large scale primarily by law enforcement to identify criminals, the biometrics and identity industry now plays an essential role in nearly every consumer’s everyday life due to the convenience and enhanced security potential that it offers. Whether using biometrics to unlock a smartphone or other device, ease travel, control access to sensitive facilities, protect financial transactions, or a variety of other applications, biometric applications have increased significantly and continue to expand.
What are the benefits of biometric technology?
Where previous methods of authentication like physical keys, passwords, or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) can be lost, stolen, hacked, or duplicated, biometric technology anchors unique identity characteristics to individuals in a way that cannot easily be forgotten, misplaced, or stolen. This intrinsic link between the identifier and the person provides a powerful security advantage.
How do biometric technologies work?
For a detailed description of how biometric technologies work, please see How Biometric Technologies Work.
