Biometrics do not provide absolute identification

There is sometimes a misapprehension that biometrics can provide absolute
identification (e.g. of terrorists, criminals etc) as though the implementation of
biometric systems will somehow solve the problem of a major terrorist attack.
Of course biometric systems can, at best, only identify/verify individuals who have been
previously enrolled. Applications can use this functionality in various ways, for example
to provide an alert when a stranger is detected (i.e. biometric features captured that do
not correspond to an enrolled user). The feasibility and effectiveness of the application
will depend on the technology, environment and other details of the implementation.
Biometric authentication only addresses part of the overall authentication framework.
Non-biometric elements (pre-enrolment) are needed to establish absolute identity with
the assurance standards needed for the application using acceptable credentials (e.g.
birth certificate, peer endorsement etc)

Related posts:

1. Biometrics do not provide perfect identification
2. Mimicry is to behavioural biometrics
3. Biometrics should only be stored on smart-cards
4. Does using biometrics increase likelihood of capture, coercion or
5. Will I know when and how my biometric has been used?
6. Biometrics cannot be changed when compromised

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