Fingerprint Biometrics: Definition and How Secure It Is

Fingerprints are a unique feature that every person has, and no two people have the same ones. Fingerprint biometrics is used to both authenticate (match a person’s biometric template) and identify (determine the identification of a person). 

A person’s unique physical characteristics are called biometrics, which can be used to validate and verify identity. 

Fingerprint biometrics is some of the most commonly used types of biometrics for authentication and identification purposes, but facial recognition, iris scanning, and DNA are all forms of biometric identifiers as well. Fingerprint biometrics is widely distributed, cost-effective, easy to use, effective, hard to fake, and convenient, making them a secure and useful tool for authentication and identity verification.

Understanding fingerprint biometrics

Biometric technology uses unique physical or behavioural attributes that are individual and not replicable. 

Fingerprints are a method of identifying a person, and they are specific to each individual. No one else will have the same fingerprints that you do. Fingerprints are made up of specific patterns, including ridges, valleys, arches, loops, and whorls. 

For the purposes of proving identity, there are three main methods used:

• Something you know, like a password
• Something you possess, such as a token or keycard
• Something you are, including fingerprints, face, or hand

Fingerprint biometrics involves something you are. You always have your fingerprints on you, and they belong to you alone. Fingerprint biometrics has been used for decades with recent technology becoming more and more advanced, allowing for a more technical and widespread use of this important tool.

Biometric authentication & security

Biometrics uses a statistical analysis and measurement of physical or behavioural characteristics as a security feature to authenticate and identify an individual. Fingerprint biometrics can be a frictionless form of security that is easy and seamless to use. 

Fingerprint scanners can be used to secure physical access to locations as well as to devices. Fingerprint biometrics is a security feature that cannot be forgotten or misplaced like a password or hardware token.

Biometric security can be more secure than other forms of authentication, as biometric information is linked to a specific individual and therefore more difficult to ste