6.6 Biometric Authentication

In biometric authentication, the computer collects a biometric measurement from the user, compares it to data in its authentication database, and recognizes the user if the measurement closely matches the database entry. Most biometrics require specialized readers. Laptop computers may incorporate fingerprint readers into their keyboards (FIGURE 6.20). Fingerprint readers also appear in many smartphones. Apple and Samsung have also incorporated camera-based authentication of faces and irises, respectively.

A photograph of a laptop keyboard with a Biometric Reader is shown.

FIGURE 6.20 Biometric fingerprint reader on a laptop’s keyboard.

Courtesy of Dr. Richard Smith.

When ...

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