The top biometric authentication techniques in computing today, ranked from most popular to least, along with their approximate accuracy levels:
| Biometric Technique | Description | Accuracy (High to Low) |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Recognition | Analyzes unique fingerprint patterns. | Very High |
| Face Recognition | Identifies individuals based on facial features. | High |
| Iris Recognition | Scans the patterns in the iris of the eye. | High |
| Voice Recognition | Authenticates users based on their voice. | Moderate to High |
| Retina Recognition | Examines the unique patterns in the retina of the eye. | Moderate to High |
| Gait Analysis | Patterns of walking | Unknown |
The biometric efficacy factors below help assess the accuracy, efficiency, and usability of biometric systems.
| Performance Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Efficacy Rate | Overall system effectiveness. |
| FAR (False Acceptance Rate) | Incorrectly accepting unauthorized users. |
| FRR (False Rejection Rate) | Incorrectly rejecting authorized users. |
| CER (Crossover Error Rate) | Equal error rate where FAR and FRR are balanced. |
| ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) | Graphical error trade-off analysis. |
| Matching Speed | Processing time for biometric data comparison. |
| FTC (Failure-to-Capture) | Rate of system failing to capture data. |
| FTE (Failure-to-Enroll) | Rate of users unable to enroll successfully. |
| Throughput | Transaction processing rate per unit of time. |
The list provided includes the major performance factors commonly used to evaluate biometric systems. However, the specific factors of interest can vary depending on the context and the goals of the evaluation. In some cases, additional factors may be considered, such as:
- Template Storage Size: The size of biometric templates used for comparison and storage.
- Scalability: The system's ability to handle a large number of users efficiently.
- Usability and User Acceptance: User-friendliness and user acceptance of the biometric system.
- Interoperability: Compatibility with other systems and standards.
- Robustness to Environmental Factors: Resistance to variations in environmental conditions (e.g., lighting, noise).
- Liveness Detection: The ability to detect and prevent presentation attacks (spoofing).
- Compliance and Privacy: Adherence to relevant standards and regulations, as well as data privacy considerations.
The choice of which factors to prioritize in an evaluation depends on the specific requirements and objectives of the biometric system deployment.