Biometric Frequently Asked Questions -
FAQ
What is the difference between verification
and identification?
The key difference between these two
modes of authentication is whether the
match/non-match decision is based on a
one-to-one comparison or on an
association based on a one-to-many
search in a database.
Verification – The system
verifies the claimed identity of the
user by comparing his/her biometric
sample with one specific reference
template, which is either physically
presented by the user or pointed to in
the database. Verification can be
knowledge-based (e.g. PIN or password)
or token-based (e.g. smart card). The
user says, "I am X!" and the system
reply with "yes, your are X!" or "no,
you are not X!"
Identification – The system
identifies the end user from his/her
biometric sample by associating it with
his/her particular reference template
based on a database search among the
reference templates of the entire
enrolled population. The user asks, "who
am I?" and the system reply with "you
are X!" or "your are not an authorized
user".
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Can my fingerprint be stolen from the
fingerprint template database?
No, only templates are stored in the
system. When a finger is scanned, the
characteristic points, or minutiae on
the image are extracted and turned into
a template. Only a digital
representation of the specific points is
stored, not the image which is discarded
after feature extraction. Since the
template only holds information about
points located on your fingerprint, the
original image cannot be restored by any
means. It is impossible to extract
a fingerprint image even if you were
able to decrypt the fingerprint template
information because it is not an actual
"picture" of your fingerprint - only a
small subset of the minutiae points.
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Is it possible to cheat the system with a
3D finger replica?
See our
information on Spoofing
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How many people can be enrolled on my
device?
Most of our systems store a minimum of
100 users. Each biometric system is
specifically designed for a task. Our
Biocert iQBio home door locks start at
30 users whereas our
iGuard Security Appliance can go as high
as 20,000 users.
Most of our Biometric Access Products
list the available memory for fingerprints.
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How long time does an identification of a
fingerprint take?
The speed of identification is dependent
on two factors; the speed/processing power
of the PC performing the identification and
the number of fingerprint templates in the
database. Usually, the identification speed
ranges between 200 and 500 templates per
second although with faster processors and
more memory, you will notice an improvement
in identification time.
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I have dry fingers, can I still use the
system?
Most often a dry finger is not a problem,
but if the finger is too dry, the image
quality will not be sufficient for creating
a high quality template. This may result in
a so-called false reject, which means that
you have to present the finger on the
scanner one more time. If you experience a
false reject and you think it is because of
a dry finger, breathe on your finger and try
again.
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I have cut my finger, can I still use the
system?
Due to the large scanning surface of our
scanners, authentication is based on a high
number of characteristic points. In addition
to providing high reliability it also makes
our system less sensitive to cuts and minor
injuries of the finger. However, it is
recommended to enroll minimum of one finger
each of both hands in case the finger
normally used for authentication is
unavailable, e.g. due to a band-aid or cast.
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Does the system store an image of my
fingerprint?
No, only a digital representation of the
specific points of the fingerprint is
stored, not the image, which is discarded
after the feature extraction. Since the
template only holds information about points
located on your fingerprint, the original
image cannot be restored by any means.
The automated fingerprint identification
systems (AFIS) used by the Police store the
entire fingerprint images while our (and
competing) systems only store information
about specific points. These
systems are completely incompatible with
this data.
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Can my template be used by the police?
No, the automated fingerprint
identification systems (AFIS) used by the
Police store the entire fingerprint images
while our (and competing) systems only store
information about specific points.
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Does the BioCert BIIM replace the normal
Windows logon system?
A user must log on to a Windows NT or
Windows 2000 system by supplying a user name
and password.
BioCert BIIM products replace the
existing login GINA of Windows XP and
Windows 2000. User accounts and rights must
be built in the "normal" Windows way before
you can manage BioCert protection.
Therefore, BioCert will let you restrict
logon and access rights already permitted by
the network settings, but cannot override
these settings to allow more extensive
rights.
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What are the advantages of identification?
The biggest advantages of identification
based on a central database (and distributed
databases) is that you do not need to
remember a PIN code, which can be forgotten
or compromised, or carry a smart card, which
can be lost, stolen, or forgotten at home.
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What happens if I cut my finger?
Usual cuts on the finger (except for
major injuries) are tolerated by the system.
If it's necessary to apply a bandage, use
your secondary finger.
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