Passwords are the most popular means to protect access to different devices. Biometrics is the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s physical and behavioural characteristics. Biometric identifiers range from common ones like fingerprints, palmprint and voice recognition to DNA and gait. The technology is mainly used for identification and access control, or for identifying individuals who are under surveillance. It is also being adopted as smart devices synchronise the technology with operating systems, giving way to the relegation of conventional access control means such as passwords. Three of these alternatives are explained below
- Face recognition
Face recognition is already being used by many organisations and law enforcement agencies. For this to be successful, there must be reliable and up-to-date databases for the software to recognise all visitors.
- Heartbeat
These electric signals sent out by heartbeats can be decoded and has been miniaturised to fit into sensing devices. Today, many wearable fitness devices can read a person’s heart rate and thus can be applied in biometrics.
- Ear shape
The shape of your ear can also be used to access any device. With the right software and phone, they can detect the shape of the ear and Ergo Android app is making this possible. To use it, simply press the screen of your phone against your ear and it immediately grants you access if it matches.
