Because no two people have the same fingerprints, some observers see the process of scanning fingers, a form of biometrics, as perhaps the most secure means of authentication. Although the technology is unproven and some question whether users will be comfortable with the technology, there have been several key technological advances and pilots. Polaroid Corp. recently rolled out biometrics scanners, and Keytronics said it will build them into selected keyboards early next year. Meanwhile, Bank of America has adopted a fingerprint-based program for selected participants. Customers store their online banking login, PIN number and fingerprint on the chip attached to their Bank of America smart card.
Participants thereby gain access to online banking services.
As a result of these developments, some international traders are seriously considering the use of biometric scanning as a form of authentication. That's because it can take days for a bank to issue a letter of credit, compared to minutes with the Cavio system. Ancin Corp., an international trading company that deals in the exchange of chemicals, metals and other products from South Africa to ports in Australia, New Zealand and India over the Internet, is also testing Cavio's system. The threat is real. Cavio president Paul Mann said international traders are looking to a means of secure authentication like biometrics.