Conversely, each fingerprint is unique. With biometrics, you'll never have to remember multiple, sometimes counterintuitive alphanumeric sequences. All you need to remember is to bring your finger or face, or how to sign your name. Biometric devices measure one or more physical attributes. The most commonly used attribute is your fingerprint, but it can also be the shape of your face, the pattern of your eye's iris, your signature or the sound of your voice.
Devices exist to meet any degree of security and paranoia.
For example, if you want ultrasecure access to the ICBM missile silo or an anthrax lab, retinal-scan devices that read the pattern of blood vessels inside eyes are available. We confined our tests to noninvasive devices suited for use with computers and networks in a normal business environment. Biometrics have been around a long time while the vendors tried to get the technology and price right. Mass. Starting this summer, manufacturers like Compaq Computer Corp. will ship laptops equipped with biometric devices. With prices dropping and accuracy increasing, the future looks promising for vendors.