Biometrics in the New World

Biometrics in the New World takes a fresh look at biometrics and identity management within a fast-changing world. The concept of biometric identity verification is revisited, including identity intelligence, federation and the use of third party infrastructure. Furthermore, the book examines some of the fundamentals of the technology which are often overlooked. However, the dialogue extends beyond technical considerations, and explores some of the broader societal and philosophical aspects surrounding the use of biometric applications, bringing this whole area into a new focus at a time. Topics and features: presents a brief history of the development of biometrics, and describes some of the popularly held misconceptions surrounding the technology; investigates the challenges and possibilities of biometrics across third party infrastructures and on mobile computing devices; provides guidance on biometric systems design, stressing the importance of an end-to-end approach, together with the alignment with policy and operational procedures; explores the mechanisms necessary to enable identity intelligence, including logging mechanisms, data communications and data formats; discusses such usage issues as collaboration frameworks, and messaging and data translation; examines the impact of biometric technologies on society, for better and worse, covering issues of privacy and user factors; reviews the current situation in identity management and biometric technologies, and predicts where these trends may take us in the future. This accessible and thought-provoking work is an essential guide for biometric systems integrators, professional consultancies, government agencies and other consumers of biometric technology. Academics interested in biometrics will also find the book to be a source of valuable insights, as will the casual reader.