|
Recent Hollywood films such
as Minority Report and The
Bourne Identity have created wide public awareness about
the potential power of biometric technology.
However, biometrics need not be confined to futuristic and
science fiction films alone. For instance, computers are now in extensive
use, and we often transfer personal information over the Internet,
which is susceptible to hacking and misuse. Biometric technology can help
to secure personal and confidential information, so that no
unauthorized person can access the same. Biometrics is extremely useful
for preventing identity theft as it does away with credit card
numbers, passwords, etc., which can be hacked and misused by
others. Instead, access to privileged information is provided through
a person's unique physiological parameters such as the
fingerprint, retina, facial features or voice patterns which cannot be imitated
by others.
Purchasing at retail outlets through credit/debit cards,
cash withdrawal through ATMs, online banking, online bill payments
and online credit card access can all be protected from fraud by the use
of biometric technology. It can also be used for other applications such
as accessing one's credit report, filing and retrieving one's tax returns, etc. |
