We took our fingers to the scanner as we tested three biometric devices for individual PCs. Improved technology, a broader selection of devices and lower prices have created increased interest in the burgeoning biometric market.
Finger scanning biometric devices are now a viable alternative to password access software.
We wanted to know whether these easily available and affordable devices provide better security than standard password protection schemes. We'll start by explaining how fingerprint recognition works. An individual's fingerprints are unique physical characteristics composed of ridges and minutia. Minutia are the points where the ridges split or end. Based on these distinct physical characteristics, a finger scanner should automatically provide more secure access than passwords that can be compromised or guessed.