Facing biometrics' limits

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Fool's gold

To,

Anyone who thinks biometrics is the answer:

It isn't.

Basically the technology converts your fingerprint, retinal scan, etc. into a number, or set of numbers, which is then stored for future comparison purposes.

Think of that number as equivalent to your social security number. Except, it's even more permanent because it is part of your body.

Now we all know that identity theft doesn't require a thief to physically have a your social security number on a government issued piece of paper. Thieves merely need the number itself.

Thus, the same premise holds true with a number generated from your fingerprint. It can and it will be stolen.

IMHO, the best security systems are those that are temporary and transient. My wife has a keychain sized password generator from E-Trade that she uses to access her accounts and this thing is the way to go. New password every time you logon, etc., generated from a gadget that can be thrown away if compromised.

Try throwing away your fingerprint, or retinal scan.

Posted by: ZigZag_z   Posted on: 06/22/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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