Biometrics refers to identifying humans by characteristics like fingerprints, face recognition, DNA, and iris or retina scans. Biometrics has been used for centuries to identify individuals and is now widely used in computer science for identification and access control. While biometrics originated in various cultures throughout history, recent decades have seen significant advancement from using just fingerprints to over ten different methods. Biometrics can be used for identification systems, which compare an individual to a database, or verification systems, which confirm an individual's identity. Biometrics is now used in many areas like security, banking, voting, and national ID systems.

2. MEANING:
 Biometrics (or biometric authentication)
refers to the identification of humans by
their characteristics or traits. Biometrics is
used in computer science as a form of
identification and access control.

3. BIOMETRIC HISTORY INDICATES THAT THE SCIENCE DID NOT
ORIGINATE AT A SINGLE PLACE. PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE
USING THE BASICS FOR MAINLY IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS FROM
EACH OTHER.
 14TH CENTURY- CHINESE PRACTICE
 1890’S- BERTILLON AGE
 BIOMETRIC HISTORY IN THE RECENT PAST (THREE DECADES) HAS
SEEN DRASTIC ADVANCEMENTS AND THE TECHNOLOGY HAS
MOVED FROM A SINGLE METHOD (FINGERPRINTING) TO MORE
THAN TEN PRUDENT METHODS.

4. Physiological Characteristics:
Examples:
fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, Palm print,
hand geometry, iris recognition, retina and
odor/scent
 Behavioural Characteristics:
Examples:
typing rhythm, gait, and voice

6. A BIOMETRIC SYSTEM CAN BE EITHER AN 'IDENTIFICATION'
SYSTEM OR A 'VERIFICATION' (AUTHENTICATION) SYSTEM:
 IDENTIFICATION - ONE TO MANY
 VERIFICATION - ONE TO ONE

8. BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY IS NOW BEING USED IN
ALMOST EVERY AREA.
 Biometric time and attendance systems
 Biometric safes and biometric locks
 biometrics technology in identifying DNA patterns
for identifying criminals
 E-government services
 National security
 Airports, banks
 Recently implemented in ATM’S, VOTING
MACHINES

10.  ADVANTAGES:
1. CONVENIENCE OF USING YOUR BODY OR A PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC.
2. THERE IS NO NEED TO REMEMBER SPECIAL CODES/ PASSWORDS.
3. HARDER TO COUNTERFEIT PERSONAL DETAILS
4. ACCURACY
 DISADVANTAGES:
1. BIOMETRIC ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEMS CANNOT BE RESET EASILY.
2. MAY INVADE AN INDIVIDUAL'S PRIVACY.
3. THE ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM MAY BE FLAWED AND SUDDENLY MAY
NOT RECOGNISE AN INDIVIDUAL.
4. CRIMINALS MAY USE THE INFORMATION STORED.
5. COSTLY