Biometric identification is, simply, the technique of verifying a person by a physical characteristic or personal trait. Our brains perform biometrics in distinguishing our associates from our family pets, for example. The major goal of biometric identification is to assist in providing a single computer system log-in that rarely rejects authorized users and always detects fraudulent access attempts. Such a system surpasses password and token systems because a person's body cannot be forgotten or stolen, and access is provided to the person, not a piece of plastic.
Several factors determine which method best suits an organization.
The methods offer varying degrees of effectiveness, and typically, implementation cost varies with the level of security provided. Specialized hardware, for example, drives up the price rapidly, while solutions that can use common hardware cost thousands less per seat. Beyond cost and effectiveness, companies must consider the psychological implication these techniques have for employees. With this in mind, the ideal biometric would be easy to use, fast, nonintrusive, convenient and socially acceptable. Each biometric scores differently against this list.