How biometric recognition systems are being used for biometric security

Biometric screening refers to collecting data about a person that is specific only to them i.e., individual biological identity. This data includes but isn’t limited to retinal scans, fingerprints, and pictures. Using biometric screening for security purposes falls under the category of biometric security which is a relatively new security system and can be defined as the usage of biometric recognition technology for purposes pertaining to identification and authentication.

While having implications in several domains such as Biometric ID cards, biometric passports are one of the most useful applications of biometric technology.

What is a biometric passport?

The world’s travel document called the passport has lived through plenty evolution ever since it was first used. Until recently, the world was using plastic or paper passports to travel across regions. Today, however, almost all countries have shifted to digital passports.

A biometric passport, also known as a digital passport or an e-passport, is just like a typical plastic passport but with data chips containing electronic microprocessors that store data for biometric recognition. These electronic microprocessors contain the entire biometric ID of a person and are controlled by NFC or Near Field Technology which enables two devices to exchange signals when they come in close physical distance.

Why use biometric recognition technology for passports - Biometric screening for biometric security

Biometric passports offer a number of benefits over traditional plastic passports. The installation of computerized chips working in conjunction with NFC technology opens great doors for security and data storage.

The most significant feature that elevates digital passports over plastic cards is their ability to store digital data as biometric identity. Even where passwords are required, biometric recognition is much more dependable as compared to other kinds of passwords.

While all of the general features of digital passports pertain to security, these passports also offer other specific security features as well. For example, the data on a biometric passport is extremely difficult to hide or override. This greatly reduces the chances of identity theft and fraud.

Specifically, biometric passports have the following security and storage features:

·         Invisible personalized information

·         Microtext

·         Microchips

·         Precise and intricate patterns that are difficult to replicate

·         A shadow image besides the main picture of the owner

·         A 2D barcode

·         MRZ lines for data encryption

·         Laser engraved polycarbonate overlays

·         Laser engraved data pages

Applied biometric recognition at airports – how biometric screening works

For the practical application of e-passports, airports require certain processes and setups for biometric user authentication.

For automating digital onboarding as well as for security procedures, airports set up cameras and digital passport scanners at multiple entry points. Passengers, as they pass by, are required to scan their passports, which are analyzed by the computer. At the same time, the camera takes a picture of the user to assess, through facial recognition technology, to match the user with the picture in the digital log of the passport. If the two match, then the user is allowed to proceed as the automatic gates open for them. Such a setup is called the ABC or Automated Border Control System. ABC Systems are crucial for both biometric security and curbing congestion at airports.

While security is surely one of the most crucial benefits that airports, at large, can hack from biometric passports, automation also helps improves efficiency. For example, cloud passports can be amazing in introducing a system called the Contactless Traveler Technology which allows passengers to pass through airport checkpoints without having to carry any hardcopy documents.

Biometric Screening at airports: Benefits

Biometric recognition systems are an amazing technology, and at airports, hold the power to change airport systems as passengers know them.

Enhancing security

Biometric passports can be a great way to implement biometric security at airports. The ability of these scanners to look up and match the faces and other data of one person with the entire database in seconds is a new technology and once introduced can greatly improve security measures, by reducing chances of fake or stolen documents being used.

Moreover, the option to include passwords over biometric data can be used as another safety wall within the biometric security system.

Increasing efficiency at airports

Biometric screening systems are fast and accurate. Usage of these systems gets rid of chances of human error and massive data can be assessed within the blink of an eye. The introduction of facial recognition systems can also increase efficiency. For example, one study.

Elevating customer service

Biometric recognition systems are a great opportunity to increase your brand reputation. In a digital world, most people feel more comfortable and secure with computerized, contactless processes, and seeing businesses stay in touch with the trendy news, can help both the client and the business.

Biometric screening to introduce systems for biometric security can be a game-changer for security in the world. A future with fast, secure, and contactless travel awaits the world with biometric passports utilizing this technology.