Biometrics goes mainstream - News - Security

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Biometrics goes mainstream

October 13, 2000
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Biometrics-goes-mainstream-/0,130061744,120101058,00.htm

Soon we won't be able to get our mates to clock on for us when running late for work.

Biometrics is moving into mainstream workplaces where employees are having to scan their voice, fingers, eyes, or faces across a screen to clock on and off shifts, get access to work areas, or access a secure Web site.

Such technology is being used throughout Australia according to John Meadows, CEO of biometric application developer Triton Secure. For example, it's used by large retailers, such as Woolworths, to monitor staff attendance, Meadows said.

Another example shows how biometrics can be used in online situations: IT based recruitment agency e-Contract will be implementing an Internet-based biometrics system to enable contract workers to authenticate timesheets using fingerprints.

e-Contract is using is SAFESITE, an application developed by Triton Secure using US distributor SAFELINK Corporation's biometric products to replace passwords.

According to Meadows, Internet-based biometrics is replacing passwords because fingerprints "can't be reconstructed from the inscription on the server -- it won't be recognised," he said.

"Fingerprinting is more secure than a face print in the case of twins, however the iris is very unique as there are no two iris's in the world that look the same," Meadows said.

e-Contract's contractors access an online timesheet, which after completed, can only be submitted if the user has authenticated the document by placing their finger on a scanner.

"It's as good as a signature on the form," he added.

Internet-based biometrics is catching on gloablly. Pt Makindo -- the longest surviving investment banking institute in Indonesia -- has recently launched Makindo CyberTrade, which uses fingerprint-scanning technology to secure customers' confidential data.