Solving the Biometrics Enigma: Identifying the Correct Solution

Biometric solutions and smart cards are both extremely effective for particular applications. However, trying to implement either, or both, as a catch-all solution is a recipe for disaster.\n\nIn the access control space, for example, biometric solutions are only really feasible in areas with a limited number of entrants, such as a server room, rather than the front door to the head office. For the front door, a smart card is a far more practical solution.\n\nAccording to Gartner, biometric systems use measurements of physiological or behavioral data to identify people. While recognition of these systems' suitability for some government applications has grown, organizations in other sectors rarely consider them to be a viable authentication method.\n\nChubb Integrated Systems MD, Steven Barry, concurs, adding that biometric readers also take some time to reference an individual signature back to the database and then verify it, making the use of these systems practical only in low-traffic areas.\n\nFurther, says Xantium Digital Card Systems director, Anthony Roux, price is a major inhibiting factor. 'Ultimately, it is a solutions-driven sector,' he notes. 'You need to understand the customer business case, and how technology can address the problem, if it can address the problem.'\n\nIntelleca MD, Mike Renzon, says that voice biometric solutions are proving valuable in the local market. 'Voice biometric implementations are proving to be particularly successful, because of the level of additional authentication they offer, which results in a solution that not only automates business processes but also enhances security by introducing an additional authentication level.'\n\nSmart cards are already commonly used by many corporates for access control and time and attendance applications. However, that is not the end of the line.\n\nSays Gartner, 'The ability to include multiple applications can improve the business case for smart cards. Different applications can be streamlined and made more efficient with their use. The cost of implementation can be defrayed from several cost centers, and, once the physical access control system is in place, the extra cost of adding new applications is lower.'\n\nSmart cards can act as virtual wallets, allowing employees to buy lunch at the canteen, for example. 'If you are going to implement a smart card solution, use it for a number of things,' says Roux. 'Door access, network access, canteen meals, and so on – make it worthwhile – you will see real value that way.'\n\nThis, obviously, only works in a closed system, and, while the government has plans for a multipurpose smart card in terms of its Hanis system, it is unlikely that it will 'rent' space on these cards to external organizations.\n\nAt best, when Hanis eventually arrives, ID and the like will be integrated into one card, and we will just have to keep space in our wallets for the rest.\n\nSomething else to remember, says Roux, is that smart cards are not USB sticks, and, beyond carrying small 1KB Java applets, for example, a wallet application, they cannot carry a large amount of data.\n\nIn terms of access control and user authentication, biometrics and smart cards work well together. You can, for example, store a user's biometric signature on a card, so, when the system is asked to authorize it, it does not need to refer back to the database, but can compare the user's physical trait with the template stored on the card.\n\nGartner, however, adds a cautionary note, stating that 'Smart cards within the corporate sector remain niche. Critically, they are held back by the lack of integrated readers as standard within PCs, which forces companies to consider the cost and inconvenience of stand-alone readers.'\n\nUltimately, as Roux says, it is a solutions game. Make sure that you have a sound business case, and a clear goal in mind, if a smart card or biometric solution can remedy that pain point, go for it, if not…

"Q: What is biometrics?

A: Biometrics is the use of physiological or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, hand geometry, iris recognition, face recognition, signature verification, and voice biometrics, to identify and verify people.

Q: What are smart cards?

A: Smart cards are cards that can store and process data, and can be used for a variety of applications, such as access control, time and attendance, and transaction authentication.

Q: What are the benefits of using biometrics and smart cards together?

A: Using biometrics and smart cards together can provide an additional layer of security and authentication, and can streamline business processes.

Q: What are some of the challenges of implementing biometric solutions?

A: Some of the challenges of implementing biometric solutions include the high cost, the need for specialized equipment, and the potential for errors or false positives.

Q: What is the future of biometrics and smart cards?

A: The future of biometrics and smart cards is likely to involve increased adoption and integration of these technologies into various industries and applications, as well as continued innovation and improvement in their accuracy and efficiency."