Drawbacks of Biometric Devices

Photo to the left: An iris scanning, voice recognition
template, and fingerprint template.





Although biometrics do have many advatages (listed in the previous post), they also have some drawbacks. Currently Iris scans, the most secure form of biometric security, is hard to use. This is because people often blink during the scan and the fact that eyelashes can often get in the way of the scanner. Fingerprint scanners, the most commonly used biometric devices are susceptible to higher rejection rates if someone has used, for example, moisturizing lotion before passing their finger on the scanner or has excessive dirt buildup on their hands. Face recognition devices are probably the hardest to use, this is because the face changes with age (as some of us already know!), not only that but hair can get in the way and makeup can throw the scanner off. This means the face scanner might have to update its templates constantly which can take time and be constly. Voice recognition is another good alternative but it is also the easiest to crack.

Not all the disadvantages of biometric devices are physical, some people feel left out for example when fingerprint scanners are used to gain access to an area and they are excluded, this is part of the psychological problem with biometric devices that some people have. To some, being forced to use these devices seems unecessary and almost an invasion of privacy. Biometrics can also cost a company time if they are not maintained well, Biometric devices need to be calibrated and updated on at least a monthly basis, as a result they are more costly than traditional security methods.





Sources:
-http://www.buildings.com/articles/detail.aspx?contentID=4938
-http://www.cacsecurity.com/biometrics.asp
-http://www.school-for-champions.com/security/biometrics.htm