Assessing the desired qualities of a biometric

When selecting a biometric identifier, we have many choices, such as our fingerprint, face, iris, or even our ears. Before deciding to implement a specific biometric type, device manufacturers run tests and consult studies that help us understand the most desired biometric qualities. Careful selection is important, as we don't want to change to another biometric once we have invested in a system.

Some of the key performance metrics for biometrics include the need to be unique, universal, permanent, collectable, acceptable, offer exceptional performance, and able to avoid circumvention. Let's take a look at each of these, starting with the need to be unique.

Having uniqueness

One key biometric characteristic is that of uniqueness, or something that is one of a kind. When selecting a biometric, the chosen biometric identifier cannot be the same for any two individuals, even between two identical twins.

Using a unique...