Home > Ask the Security Experts > Questions & Answers > Biometric vulnerabilities
Ask The Security Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

Biometric vulnerabilities

Joel Johnson EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Joel Johnson

Pose a Question
Other Security Categories
Meet all Security Experts
Become an Expert for this site
>
QUESTION POSED ON: 25 April 2003
What attacks can be performed against a biometric security system? What are the limitations of biometrics? (i.e. what are biometric systems unable to do or safeguard against?) How can biometrics be fooled? What are the threat/attacks/limitations of other technologies (e.g. smart cards, databases) that are used together with biometrics?


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary


Biometrics ensures that the person trying to enter your network or application is indeed an authorized user. The major advantage over traditional network security is that passwords, smart cards or PINs can be lost or stolen. Biometrics help eliminate that possibility.

At present, interoperability between multiple vendors isn't really standardized. Application compatibility is still based on vendor partnerships. This may make it difficult to implement biometrics in an environment with non-partnered applications.

Many biometrics systems let the user self enroll. In my opinion this can be a major security risk. If you were to gain access to a corporate system and self enroll you could break the security metrics. Other technologies such as smart cards and databases can be lost, hacked or stolen. Choosing the correct combination is one of the major business decisions that CIO's are facing today.


For more information on this topic, visit these other SearchSecurity.com resources:
Best Web Links: Biometrics
Glossary:Biometrics
Article: Problems with authentication




Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Find Security Solutions for Your Business
Targeted Security Channel Tips for Resellers, Integrators and Consultants
TechTarget Security Media
Information Security View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
Information Security Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
SearchSecurity.com
HomeNewsMagazineMultimediaWhite PapersLearningAdviceTopicsEventsAbout Us

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts