Whether it’s used to unlock a smartphone or other device, ease travel, or keep our nation safe, biometrics is also involved. For centuries, authentication has relied on two primary pillars: something you have such as a passport or physical key, or something you know, such as a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN). While ubiquitous, these traditional, token- and knowledge-based systems are inherently flawed. Tokens can be lost, stolen, or duplicated and knowledge can be forgotten, phished, or cracked. In response to the escalating security demands of a deeply interconnected digital world, a third, more personal pillar of authentication has risen to prominence: biometrics. 

Biometric technology anchors identity to the individual themselves, confirming identity based on unique and measurable biological and behavioral characteristics, referred to as modalities. These systems provide a tangible, real-world trait for identity verification that, unlike a password or key card, cannot be easily forgotten, misplaced, or stolen. This intrinsic link between the identifier and the person provides a powerful security advantage.

Biometrics have long been used by law enforcement, which remains one of the most visible and effective applications for criminal identification. In fact, the first known crime solved using fingerprint evidence was in 1892 when an Argentine police officer identified a fingerprint at a crime scene that led to the conviction of a suspect, although historical records suggest that fingerprints have been used as a unique human identifier for several millennia.

In the past few decades, biometric use has increased significantly, now encompassing a variety of sectors and uses. Today, biometrics are used to unlock electronic devices, secure borders, control access to sensitive facilities, protect financial transactions, verify time and attendance, secure networks, and prevent benefits fraud. And as technology advances, biometric technologies’ capabilities and use cases are constantly expanding.