Biometrics: Definition, Types, how it Works, and Its Benefits

What is biometrics? Currently, the security of electronic devices has begun to use various advanced technologies and no longer only uses pins or passwords. Almost all the latest electronic devices are equipped with fingerprint or facial scanner features.

The scanning technology in question is biometrics. Furthermore, this technology has actually been invented a long time ago. Can’t believe that biometrics has been around for a long time? Read the discussion below to the end to find out more.

What is Biometrics?

Biometrics is a technology used to secure a device or system by scanning the human body. The human physical scan in question is in the form of the iris, retina, voice, fingerprint, typing pattern, and so on.

Biometrics actually discusses the science that analyzes physical characteristics or human behavior. The analysis is carried out to verify the authenticity of a person’s given identity.

The reason is, the identity of the iris, retina, voice, fingerprint, typing pattern, and other types is very difficult to fake. Everyone has different characteristics. That’s why biometrics are used as the right solution to overcome the problem of fraud.

The use of biometrics to verify in fact dates back to the 2nd century by a Chinese emperor, but after that the technology fell out of vogue for a long time. Until finally in the 19th century, there was a law enforcement officer from France who began to develop modern biometrics.

Alphonse Bertillon used biometrics to track criminals in his day. As time goes by, the use of biometrics is increasingly spread in European countries, America, and finally used by the whole world.

The use of biometrics is the most effective way to be applied in various aspects of life. Not only to open a security system on electronic devices, but also to be used in the loan application process and account verification.

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Types of Biometrics

Biometrics are divided into two main types, namely physical identifiers and behavioral identifiers. The following is an explanation of each.

1. Physical Identifiers

This type of biometric performs a physical scan of a person. Iris, retina, fingerprint, face, voice, DNA, and signature scans are included in the type of biometric physical identifiers.

The type of biometric that performs a physical scan is generally more often heard and you can find it in everyday life. Examples include fingerprint scanners on timesheet machines and smart phones.

2. Behavioral Identifiers

Behavioral identifiers are a type of biometric that scans human behavior. The question “Is it possible to scan human behavior?”. Of course, it’s possible! In fact, this scan is already used by companies.

In particular, this type of biometric is used to distinguish humans and robots when using the internet. What are the types of behavioral identifiers that you can use? There are typing patterns, physical gestures, navigation patterns, and engagement patterns.

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How Biometrics Work

How do biometrics work? Simply put, biometrics performs an initial scan to store all the characteristics of a person. Furthermore, the data that has been stored will be reused to provide access. For a thorough understanding, here are three ways biometrics work.

1. Initial Scanning

Before the security and verification system can run, information about a person’s characteristics needs to be used as a database. Information on the characteristics of a person is obtained from the initial scan on an electronic device.

All characteristic information can generally be stored in the database. But this can only be done when you have the right scanner.

An example is a scanner in a smartphone that can scan fingerprints and faces. The scan will attempt to capture all of your unique characteristics.

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2. Storage

The information from the initial scan is then stored and becomes important information when you use it.

You need to understand that the storage of information that is carried out does not necessarily capture all of your characteristics. The scan performed will then be analyzed by the system to produce a unique trait.

3. Verification

Finally, the unique properties that have been stored will be used to match the unique properties that you provide when you want to open the security and verification system. If a match is found then access will be granted or verification is successful. On the other hand, when no match is found, access will not be granted.

Read Also: What is the Definition of Face Recognition and Its Uses for a Company?

Benefits of Biometrics

You must have felt the usefulness of using biometrics every time you opened the security system on your cellphone. It’s not only a matter of security but you can also enjoy the benefits of easy access thanks to biometrics.

Are you considering implementing biometrics in your business? Of course, this is a wise move. But before doing so you need to know the other benefits of biometrics in the following.

1. Security

Everyone’s physical characteristics are different. This fact proves that the use of biometrics to secure a system or device is very appropriate. In addition, its use is very suitable for verifying the authenticity of user data in your business services.

2. Ease of Access

The use of biometrics makes it easier to open access from the place or device you want to access. That is, the time to identify and verify is faster than usual.

3. Data Accuracy

The accuracy of the data generated by biometrics can be guaranteed. The system will not be deceived just because one person is similar to another. The system can identify a person very accurately so that cases of fraud can be minimized.

That’s important information you should know about what biometrics is and its types, how it works, and the benefits of its existence. Talking about security and verification is very important in everyday life, not only in the household but also in the business.

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Preventing Fraud With OCR and Liveness Check

That’s why you need OCR application to avoid identity fraud while accelerating data storage speed. The OCR application from AdIns can scan various important documents such as ID card, NPWP, Family Card, STNK, and even BPKB.

In addition to OCR applications, there is one more service that can prevent identity theft, namely Liveness Check. Using Liveness Detection in your business helps you distinguish between genuine, fake and masked prospects. Selfies or videos that enter the system will immediately be verified for authenticity.

The use of these two applications provides convenience for you and your customers in various verification processes that take a long time. Even though hackers are getting smarter to find loopholes, you and your customers need not worry because the AdIns system is updated from time to time. What are you waiting for? Now that the “what is biometrics” question has been answered, use the OCR and Liveness Detection app from AdIns for your business right now!