biometrics

The biological identification of a person. Examples are face, iris and retinal patterns, hand geometry and voice. Increasingly built into laptop computers, fingerprint readers have become popular as a secure method for identification. Biometrics not only deals with static patterns, but action as well. The dynamics of writing one's signature as well as typing on the keyboard can be analyzed (see biometric signature and keyboard biometrics).

Biometrics may be the primary or secondary mechanism for authentication (see two-factor authentication).

More Secure Than Passwords
Biometrics are a more secure form of authentication than typing passwords or even using smart cards, which can be stolen. However, methods can be circumvented; for example, fingerprints can be captured from a water glass and fool scanners. See authentication and face recognition.

A Biometric Mouse

SecuGen's EyeD Mouse includes a fingerprint reader on the thumb side of the device. It takes less than a second for the EyeD Mouse to verify your fingerprint. (Image courtesy of SecuGen Corporation, www.secugen.com)

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(security, hardware)

biometrics - The use of special input devices to analyse some physical parameter assumed to be unique to an individual, in order to confirm their identity as part of an authentication procedure. Examples include fingerprint scanning, iris recognition, facial recognition, voice recognition (speaker recognition), signature, vascular pattern recognition. http://www.findbiometrics.com/Pages/guide2.html.