Biometrics/Identity Verification Technologies: Ready for Prime Time?

Biometrics is to many seen as the ultimate in high tech security, enabling access to systems through the blink of an eye or the touch of a finger.  However, the technology is becoming less science fiction by the day as the price of hardware drops and devices become increasingly commonplace.  In their latest report, 'Biometrics and Identity Verification, Ready for Prime Time?', Mercator Advisory Group investigates the potential of biometrics in the consumer payments industry.

Nick Holland, Director Emerging Technologies Research and co-author of the report determines that the one to one marketing potential of biometrics as seen in 'Minority Report' will not be hitting the high streets anytime soon:

"Biometrics are a highly valuable tool in assisting with the verification of an individual's identity, but will not be used for consumer payments in their own right for some time.  We'll see them more frequently as a second or third factor of authentication, used in conjunction with something we have, such as a credit card and/or something we know, such as a password or PIN, but not by themselves..." 

The 37 page report analyzes each of the common biometric types in use in today's security systems and assesses which applications are most applicable to the consumer payments industry based on their individual strengths and weaknesses.  The report also highlights current rollouts of biometric technology for consumer payment applications and considers the factors that those planning to invest in biometric systems really need to consider.

"It's not just about purchasing the hardware and plugging it in, it's about considering the environment it will be used in and for how long -- biometrics rely on good, clean, accurate readings and a typical POS terminal will be in use for five years or more.  The biometric hardware needs to keep up with the same level of abuse and must consistently deliver time after time.  If not, users will simply revert to tried and tested payment vehicles such as card, check and cash..." says Holland.