FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMETRIC SECURITY Module 1

The term biometrics is derived from the Greek words

• bio, meaning physiology, and metric, meaning to measure

• bio, meaning behaviour, and metric, meaning to observe

• bio, meaning life, and metric, meaning to measure

• bio, meaning life, and metric, meaning to observe

Answer explanation

The correct answer is  ©. bio, meaning life, and metric, meaning to measure.

Justifications

1. Correct Answer (c):

   - Bio: In Greek, "bio"  means "life."

   - Metric : The term "metric" comes from the Greek word "metron" , which means "to measure."

   - Therefore, biometrics refers to the measurement of biological data, often used for identification or authentication purposes.

2.  Incorrect Answers :

   -  a. bio, meaning physiology, and metric, meaning to measure : While physiology is related to life, it is a specific branch of biology, not the broader term "bio." Thus, this definition is too narrow and incorrect.

   -  b. bio, meaning behaviour, and metric, meaning to observe : "Bio" does not mean behavior; it refers to life. Additionally, "metric" specifically relates to measurement, not observation, making this definition inaccurate.

   -  d. bio, meaning life, and metric, meaning to observe : While "bio" does mean life, "metric" means to measure, not to observe. This makes the statement incorrect regarding the meaning of "metric."

In summary, the correct definition accurately reflects the origins and meanings of the components of the term "biometrics

Choose one of the answers below which is incorrect for the characteristics of biometrics.

• Universality

• Collectability

• Acceptability

• Flexibility

Answer explanation

The answer is d. Flexibility, which is incorrect as a characteristic of biometrics.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Universality: This characteristic means that the biometric trait must be present in all individuals within the target population. For example, most people have fingerprints or can be recognized by facial features.

2. b. Collectability: This refers to how easily the biometric data can be collected from individuals. A good biometric system should allow for straightforward and efficient data collection, like capturing a fingerprint or facial image.

3. c. Acceptability: This characteristic relates to how acceptable the biometric method is to the users. People must feel comfortable and willing to provide their biometric data, making this a key factor for successful implementation.

4. d. Flexibility: While flexibility in application can be beneficial, it is not considered a primary characteristic of biometrics. The main characteristics focus more on universality, collectability, and acceptability rather than the ability to adapt to various situations or requirements.

In summary, "flexibility" does not align with the core characteristics typically associated with biometric systems.

What are the four main modules of a biometric system?

• Receiver Operating Characteristics and Detection Error

• Authentication and Identification

• False Rejection Rate, False Acceptance Rate, Genuine Acceptance Rate

• Sensor, Feature Extraction, Matching and Database

Answer explanation

The answer is d. Sensor, Feature Extraction, Matching and Database.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Receiver Operating Characteristics and Detection Error: This option refers to metrics used to evaluate the performance of biometric systems, not the main modules or components of the system itself.

2. b. Authentication and Identification: While these are important functions of biometric systems, they are not the physical modules or components. Instead, they describe the purposes or applications of the system.

3. c. False Rejection Rate, False Acceptance Rate, Genuine Acceptance Rate: These terms represent performance metrics that assess how well a biometric system works, but they are not the core modules of the system.

4. d. Sensor, Feature Extraction, Matching and Database: This is the correct answer because it outlines the four main modules of a biometric system:

   • Sensor: Captures the biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, facial images).

   • Feature Extraction: Analyzes and converts the raw data into a set of measurable features.

   • Matching: Compares the extracted features against stored templates to determine identity.

   • Database: Stores the biometric templates and other relevant data for future reference and matching.

In summary, option d accurately describes the core components of a biometric system.

What is the advantage of iris recognition technology?

• Widespread in business practice

• Convenience of integration

• Contactless

• Low cost of devices

Answer explanation

The answer is c. Contactless.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Widespread in business practice: While iris recognition is used in some applications, it is not as widely adopted as other biometric modalities like fingerprint scanning. Thus, this option does not accurately represent a primary advantage.

2. b. Convenience of integration: Iris recognition can be integrated into systems, but this is not a unique advantage compared to other biometric technologies. Integration depends more on the specific application and existing infrastructure.

3. c. Contactless: This is a significant advantage of iris recognition technology. It allows users to be identified or authenticated without needing physical contact with a device, making it hygienic and convenient, especially in public or shared environments.

4. d. Low cost of devices: Iris recognition devices tend to be more expensive than other biometric systems, such as fingerprint scanners. Therefore, low cost is not an advantage of iris recognition technology.

In summary, the primary advantage of iris recognition technology is its contactless nature, making option c the correct choice.

What is the advantage of voice recognition technology?

• Fast recognition time

• Easy to copy by observation

• Almost impossible to counterfeit

• Scalable architecture

Answer explanation

The answer is a. Fast recognition time.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Fast recognition time: Voice recognition technology can process and authenticate users quickly, often in real-time. This efficiency is a significant advantage, particularly in applications requiring quick access.

2. b. Easy to copy by observation: This statement is incorrect as an advantage. Voice can be mimicked or recorded, making it easier to impersonate someone compared to other biometric modalities. Therefore, this is not a benefit of voice recognition.

3. c. Almost impossible to counterfeit: While voice recognition has security measures, it is not immune to spoofing attacks using recordings or imitations, so this statement does not accurately reflect an advantage.

4. d. Scalable architecture: While scalability can be a feature of many biometric systems, it is not a unique advantage of voice recognition technology. Scalability often depends on the implementation and infrastructure rather than the technology itself.

In summary, the primary advantage of voice recognition technology is its fast recognition time, making option a the correct choice.

What is one of the challenges associated with facial recognition in biometric systems?

• High integration cost

• Can't identify the same person using different camera

• Not so reliable as other biometric methods

• Identify forgery

Answer explanation

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. High integration cost: While some facial recognition systems may have high costs, many are now available at lower prices, and costs can vary widely depending on the system and application.

2. b. Can't identify the same person using different cameras: While there are challenges with variability in camera quality and conditions, many modern systems have improved capabilities to adapt to different cameras.

3. c. Not so reliable as other biometric methods: While facial recognition can have reliability issues, it is still widely used and often performs well, especially with advancements in technology. This does not universally characterize it as less reliable.

4. d. Identify forgery: This is indeed a challenge for facial recognition systems. Forgery detection (e.g., distinguishing between real faces and photos or masks) is a significant concern, especially as spoofing techniques become more sophisticated.

Given this clarification, option d highlights a relevant challenge in the context of security and reliability of facial recognition technology.

Below are some emerging trends in next-generation biometric technologies EXCEPT

• Perturbed Authentication in Public Spaces

• Behavioural Biometrics Emerge

• Biometrics at the Edge

• AI-Powered Biometrics

Answer explanation

The answer is a. Perturbed Authentication in Public Spaces.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Perturbed Authentication in Public Spaces: While this concept may relate to privacy and security in biometric systems, it is not widely recognized as an emerging trend in next-generation biometric technologies. Thus, this option does not fit well with established trends.

2. b. Behavioural Biometrics Emerge: This is a clear trend, as behavioral biometrics focuses on patterns in user behavior (like typing speed or mouse movements) to enhance security.

3. c. Biometrics at the Edge: This trend involves processing biometric data locally (at the edge of networks) rather than in centralized servers, improving speed and privacy. It is indeed an emerging trend in biometric technology.

4. d. AI-Powered Biometrics: The integration of AI in biometric systems is a significant trend, as it enhances accuracy, reduces false positives/negatives, and allows for smarter recognition systems.

In summary, option a does not align as closely with the recognized emerging trends in next-generation biometric technologies, making it the correct choice.

What is biometric identification?

• Comparing a biometric sample against a database of stored templates to find a match and identify the individual (1-to-many comparison).

• Comparing a biometric sample against a database of stored templates to find a match and identify the individual (1-to-1 comparison).

• Verifying that a specific individual is who they claim to be by comparing their biometric sample to a single stored template (1-to-many comparison).

• Verifying that a specific individual is who they claim to be by comparing their biometric sample to a single stored template (1-to-1 comparison).

Answer explanation

The answer is a. Comparing a biometric sample against a database of stored templates to find a match and identify the individual (1-to-many comparison).

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Comparing a biometric sample against a database of stored templates to find a match and identify the individual (1-to-many comparison): This accurately defines biometric identification, which involves searching through multiple templates in a database to identify an individual based on their biometric data.

2. b. Comparing a biometric sample against a database of stored templates to find a match and identify the individual (1-to-1 comparison): This describes a verification process rather than identification. In verification, the sample is compared to a single template to confirm identity.

3. c. Verifying that a specific individual is who they claim to be by comparing their biometric sample to a single stored template (1-to-many comparison): This is also incorrect because verification involves a 1-to-1 comparison, not 1-to-many.

4. d. Verifying that a specific individual is who they claim to be by comparing their biometric sample to a single stored template (1-to-1 comparison): While this statement accurately describes verification, it does not define identification.

In summary, option a correctly describes the process of biometric identification.

Below is the TRUE statement about Intra-Subject Variation EXCEPT

• Make-up and accessories (e.g., sunglass, hat, etc.) worn by the person

• It is also known as inter-class variation

• Illumination changes in the acquisition environment

• Changes in a person’s facial structure and appearance occur over time

Answer explanation

The answer is b. It is also known as inter-class variation.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Make-up and accessories (e.g., sunglass, hat, etc.) worn by the person: This is a true statement about intra-subject variation. Changes in a person's appearance due to make-up or accessories can affect biometric recognition.

2. b. It is also known as inter-class variation: This statement is false. Intra-subject variation refers to the differences in biometric traits of the same individual over time or in different conditions. Inter-class variation, on the other hand, refers to differences between different individuals. Therefore, this option is the exception.

3. c. Illumination changes in the acquisition environment: This is a true statement about intra-subject variation. Variations in lighting can affect how biometric data is captured, impacting recognition accuracy for the same individual.

4. d. Changes in a person’s facial structure and appearance occur over time: This statement is true and reflects the natural aging process and other changes that can affect biometric recognition.

In summary, option b is the false statement regarding intra-subject variation, as it incorrectly labels it as inter-class variation.

Where was the first recorded use of biometric identification?

• Argentina, the first use of fingerprint for forensic evidence

• Scotland Yard, Galton system of classification

• Ancient China, where fingerprints were used to authenticate clay seals and official documents.

• India, UID number to its residents

Answer explanation

The answer is c. Ancient China, where fingerprints were used to authenticate clay seals and official documents.

Justifications for the answers:

1. a. Argentina, the first use of fingerprint for forensic evidence: While Argentina played a significant role in the early use of fingerprinting for criminal identification (notably by Juan Vucetich), it was not the very first recorded use of biometric identification.

2. b. Scotland Yard, Galton system of classification: Francis Galton developed a system of fingerprint classification, and Scotland Yard adopted fingerprinting later, but this was not the first recorded use of biometrics.

3. c. Ancient China, where fingerprints were used to authenticate clay seals and official documents: This statement is true and reflects one of the earliest known uses of biometric identification. Ancient Chinese civilizations utilized fingerprints for authentication purposes, making this the earliest recorded instance.

4. d. India, UID number to its residents: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced biometric identification in modern times, but it is not the first recorded use of biometric methods.

In summary, option c accurately describes the first recorded use of biometric identification, making it the correct choice.