Tags: Fingerprint

2024 IBA User Conference: The Future of Biometrics Revealed!

Posted by Eugene le Roux on Posted in Biometrics, Events, Government, Law Enforcement Tagged , , , ,

Our meeting theme, “The Future of Biometrics Revealed,” catapulted the agenda and energy of this year’s IBA User Conference. Now in its 37th year, NEC partners with the International Biometrics Association (IBA) to host this annual event featuring the latest advancements in facial recognition and multimodal biometrics, inspiring speakers, professional certification and training, and networking with colleagues.

Speakers Spotlight AI & Innovations

Futurist and AI expert, Paul Gibbons, kicked off the event by presenting, “The Future of AI and Impact on Biometrics and Law Enforcement.” Paul gave an insider’s view of AI’s impact on new jobs that will be created, implications for privacy and property, and whether Terminator scenarios are still science fiction.

My presentation, “The Future of Biometrics Revealed,” showcased our next-generation multimodal biometrics solutions. In addition, Gary Lac, our VP of Solutions Development, presented the NEC Technology Update. We introduced NEC’s EverBlu, our future-forward lifetime algorithm updates. Clients using our newly upgraded Reveal facial recognition and Integrated Biometric Workspace (IBW), powered by Integra-ID, will get free algorithm upgrades for life! NEC will proactively convert your biometric data so you can benefit from the latest algorithms without the need for a lengthy and expensive data conversion project.

We heard from Lt. Derek Sabatini from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department about “Public Safety and Biometrics.”

Nanditha Rao, NEC’s Director of Information Security, presented with Mike Lesko from MCL Consulting, to shed light on the newest CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Security Policy.

Krista Koch, Program Manager from the FBI’s Biometric Identification and Analysis Unit gave us a peek into the FBI’s Biometric Service Section.

“Dead Man Riding” was the title of an intriguing presentation from Rebecca Jackson, Atlanta PD Crime Lab Supervisor.

We also got a behind-the-scenes view of a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) cold case presented by GBI special agents in charge, Brian Whidby, Christina Kenner, Justin McAllister, and Managing Attorney Philip Curtis.

Other speakers were from Arizona Department of Transportation, Microsoft, Ideal Innovation, Inc., Security Industry Association (SIA), and more.

NEC team members presented hands-on technology workshops, certification training and professional development, as well as leading legislation and panel discussions, including:

  • Rapid DNA
  • Fingerprint and facial examination solutions
  • Advanced Tenprint comparisons
  • Next Gen Insights Archive UI/UE
  • NEC Video & Analytical Technology

Hit of the Year Award

The awards banquet recognizes agencies that used NEC’s multimodal solutions to solve their cases. Congratulations to this year’s winners Elizabeth Soto and Laura Long from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department! The detectives used NEC’s Integrated Biometric Workspace (IBW) powered by Integra-ID® for advanced identity verification to solve a long-standing murder case. Using DNA and latent print evidence, they provided justice for the victim.

Thanks to all who joined us! I know you’ll agree the IBA User Conference is one of the best educational experiences for law enforcement agencies, criminal investigators, IT staff and administrators.

Take a moment to watch the video recap and check out the picture gallery from the conference. 

See you at next year’s conference for more inspiration from industry innovators and dedicated public servants.

Experience The Future of Biometrics Revealed at the 37th Annual IBA User Conference

Posted by Stacey Brown on Posted in Biometrics, Cloud, Events, Government, Law Enforcement Tagged , , , , , , ,

Now in its 37th year, NEC is proud to partner with the International Biometrics Association (IBA) to present the IBA User Conference. Being held August 25 – 28, 2024 at the Kimpton Shane Hotel in Atlanta, GA the popular event attracts law enforcement agencies from around the globe.

The conference is packed with inspirational speakers, including futurist and AI expert Paul Gibbons presenting, “The Future of AI and Impact on Biometrics and Law Enforcement.” Get an insider’s view of what’s exciting vs. what’s hype. What new jobs will be created, implications for privacy and property, and whether Terminator scenarios are still science fiction.

Register today to see demonstrations on AI-powered solutions, multimodal biometrics, facial recognition and The Future of Biometrics Revealed! You’ll experience the “Ultimate Product Workshop” and test-drive NEC’s advanced recognition solutions, such as:

  • Next-generation Integra-ID, integrated biometric workstation – now available on Microsoft Azure platform for cloud security and resiliency.
  • NEC’s newly upgraded Reveal forensic face recognition solution for investigation and identification.
  • NEC SmartScan™, a livescan solution equipped for today’s public safety challenges.

NEC product managers and solution engineers are available to explain new features, provide instructions and present product overviews, as well as product roadmaps.

Get certification training and professional development – up to 10 hours of training can be accrued at the event, including:

  • Advanced Tenprint Comparisons: How to transition from Tenprint examiner to latent examiner
  • Facial Examination Training
  • NEC Software Best Practices

Meet the brightest stars and dedicated public servants as the event includes built-in breaks for the law enforcement community to network and have fun. One evening includes an outing at Your 3rd Spot, with 80+ games and activities. From arcades, bowling and air hockey to shuffleboard, foosball and giant Jenga, you’ll find friendly competition to kick back and relax!

Watch the video recap of last year’s IBA Conference to see why this is a must-attend event.

Register Today

Book your room at Kimpton Shane Hotel Atlanta

The Future of Biometrics Revealed!

The Privacy and Security Concerns Surrounding Biometric Authentication and Digital IDs

Posted by Micah Willbrand on Posted in Biometrics, Digital ID Tagged , , , ,

Introduction

Biometric authentication and digital IDs have revolutionized the way we verify our identities and access numerous services. These technologies offer numerous advantages but also raise significant privacy and security concerns that must be addressed. This chapter will explore the potential risks associated with biometric authentication and digital IDs and the measures taken to protect individuals’ privacy and secure their sensitive data.

The Risks of Data Breaches:

One of the primary concerns surrounding biometric authentication is the risk of data breaches. Unlike passwords or PINs, biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or facial features cannot be easily changed once compromised. The consequences can be severe if an attacker gains unauthorized access to a database containing biometric data. They could impersonate individuals and use the stolen data for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious purposes. This risk is particularly alarming in sectors like banking and healthcare, where sensitive information is at stake.

Real-World Examples of Biometric Data Breaches:

Over the years, there have been instances of significant biometric data breaches that have highlighted the potential security risks. For example, in 2019, a breach exposed more than a million people’s fingerprints, facial recognition data, and other sensitive information. Such incidents emphasize the urgent need to secure biometric data effectively and implement robust protection measures.

Regulatory Measures and Data Protection:

Stringent data protection measures and regulations have been developed and enforced to address these concerns. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict requirements for protecting personal data, including biometric information. Companies like NEC, a leader in biometric technology, must demonstrate robust security measures to safeguard biometric data and other sensitive information. Compliance with these regulations ensures that individuals’ privacy rights are respected, and their data is handled carefully.

NEC’s Approach to Privacy and Security:

NEC, a global leader in biometric solutions, adopts a highly strategic approach to data security and privacy, aligning with the latest regulatory guidelines and incorporating state-of-the-art techniques. The company ensures that no biometric data, like images of individuals or pictures of fingerprints, is stored in their systems. Instead, NEC’s systems convert this biometric data into unique digital tokens, which are secure, encrypted representations of the original data. These tokens, unlike the original biometric data, cannot be used outside of the system, creating an additional layer of security.

Moreover, these digital tokens cannot be reverse engineered to recreate the original biometric data, reducing the risk of potential misuse. This approach ensures that even in the event of a data breach, stolen digital tokens would be useless outside of the original system, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft or other forms of fraudulent activity. It is analogous to the distinction between stealing a picture from a social media account and attempting to use it elsewhere, and having a code that only works within the original system. NEC’s unique methodology thus ensures the highest degree of privacy and security for users, preserving the integrity of their biometric data while still allowing for accurate and efficient identity verification.

Advanced Encryption and Anti-Spoofing Techniques:

On the technological front, advanced encryption techniques and anti-spoofing measures are being implemented to enhance the security of biometric authentication systems. Encryption ensures that biometric data is securely stored and transmitted, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Anti-spoofing measures, such as liveness detection, differentiate between a real person and a photograph or video used to deceive facial recognition systems. NEC, known for its innovative biometric solutions, has integrated liveness detection into its facial recognition systems, ensuring the technology is not easily fooled by fraudulent attempts.

Privacy-Enhancing Technologies:

Privacy-enhancing technologies are being developed to strike a balance between the benefits of biometrics and individuals’ privacy. Biometric data anonymization and encryption techniques allow the use of biometrics without exposing personal information. By transforming biometric data into anonymous templates, matching can be performed without revealing the original biometric information. These techniques offer privacy protection while still allowing for secure and accurate identification.

Function Creep and Consent:

Privacy concerns surrounding biometric authentication and digital IDs extend beyond data security. There is a growing concern about function creep, where data collected for one specific purpose is used for unrelated purposes without individuals’ consent. Clear and strict regulations are needed to govern the use of biometric data and ensure that individuals have control over their information. Policies must outline individuals’ rights to know how their data is being used and provide the ability to opt-out if desired.

In conclusion,

While biometric authentication and digital IDs offer significant advantages in terms of security and convenience, addressing the privacy and security concerns associated with these technologies is crucial. Robust data protection measures, compliance with regulations like GDPR, and developing privacy-enhancing technologies are key to fostering trust, protecting individuals’ privacy rights, and encouraging broader acceptance and adoption of biometric authentication and digital IDs.

Call to Action

Join us in our next chapter, where we will delve into The Future of Biometric Authentication and Digital IDs, exploring upcoming trends and technologies that will shape the landscape of identity verification.

References/Resources: This chapter draws upon information from reputable sources, industry research, and the expertise of companies like NEC, a global leader in advanced biometric solutions. To learn more about NEC’s contributions and insights in the field of biometric authentication and digital IDs, visit their website at https://nectoday.com/.

All Chapters –

Biometric Authentication Methods – A Comparative Study

Posted by Micah Willbrand on Posted in Biometrics, Digital ID Tagged , , , ,

Introduction

Biometric authentication is revolutionizing digital identity security, providing robust and reliable verification methods. In this chapter, we will compare the most common biometric authentication methods: fingerprint scanning, iris recognition, voice recognition, and facial recognition. We can gain insights into their effectiveness and applications in various scenarios by examining their benefits and challenges.

Fingerprint Scanning

Fingerprint scanning is one of the most prevalent biometric identification methods – being in use for nearly 50 years. Its reliability, simplicity, and relative acceptance make it a popular choice. Companies like NEC have developed advanced fingerprint identification solutions that offer high-speed and high-accuracy authentication. With their expertise in this technology, NEC continues to refine and innovate fingerprint scanning for enhanced security.

Iris Recognition

Iris recognition leverages the unique patterns in the colored part of the eye, ensuring a highly secure biometric technology. Its non-invasive nature allows for easy adoption, even for individuals wearing glasses or contact lenses. NEC’s iris recognition technology provides accurate identification, contributing to its prominence in biometric authentication.

Voice Recognition

Voice recognition has increased in popularity the last decade with the increase in remote audio provided the ability to authenticate someone without them being physically present. While this is a less reliable method as a standalone system due to factors like background noise or illness, it can be valuable when combined with other biometric and authentication techniques. NEC’s voice recognition technology seamlessly integrates with other systems to deliver robust security solutions. By leveraging voice recognition as part of a multimodal approach, enhanced accuracy and authentication confidence can be achieved.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition technology is rapidly emerging as a leading biometric authentication method. Its non-contact nature, user-friendliness, and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have propelled its popularity. Facial recognition can work from a distance, making it convenient and applicable in various scenarios. As discussed in Chapter 3, NEC has made significant strides in facial recognition, harnessing AI advancements to provide accurate and efficient authentication solutions.

Comparative Study

While each biometric authentication method has its strengths, they also come with unique challenges businesses need to manage. Fingerprint and iris scans require user contact or close proximity, which may not always be feasible or desirable in certain situations. In addition, consumers have shown not to be willing to provide these biometrics in non-law enforcement or secure access use cases. On the other hand, voice and facial recognition can work from a distance, offering consumer convenience and accessibility. However, new advances in AI voice cloning plus ambient noise can affect and/or compromise voice recognition systems. Facial recognition’s biggest challenge tends to be with changes in lighting conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial in selecting the most suitable authentication method for a given context.

The Role of NEC in Biometric Authentication

NEC , a leader in biometric technology, recognizes the diverse needs and requirements of different authentication methods. They continuously innovate to overcome limitations and enhance the strengths of each method. Through their expertise and commitment to research and development, NEC offers a range of biometric authentication solutions that cater to the unique challenges of fingerprint scanning, iris recognition, voice recognition, and facial recognition.

Conclusion and Link to the Series

As we navigate further into the digital age, the importance of robust and reliable biometric authentication methods becomes increasingly apparent. In our ongoing series, we will explore the role of biometric technology in specific sectors, starting with its impact on the fintech industry in the next chapter. Join us as we delve deeper into the applications and benefits of biometric authentication in various domains.

References/Resources

Throughout this series, we draw upon information from reputable sources, industry research, and the expertise of companies like NEC, a global leader in advanced biometric solutions. For further exploration, we recommend visiting NEC’s website (https://nectoday.com/) to access insightful articles, case studies, and updates on the latest advancements in biometric authentication.

All Chapters –

How Biometrics Can Safeguard Digital ID for Government Agencies

Posted by Eugene le Roux on Posted in Biometrics, Conference, Government, Law Enforcement, Security Tagged , , , , , ,

An increasingly digital society requires governments to prioritize the use of biometrics when facilitating common services. This includes digital identity programs, which use tools like face recognition to provide increased security and convenience in daily life. Such biometric tools can be a force for good, so long as they follow a security-centered roadmap defined by authentication, accessibility, interoperability, and data protection. Forward-thinking government agencies looking toward a digital transformation should consider these key factors as they make the change.

A national framework encompassing these four pillars is needed to ensure systems are secure, accurate, and accessible NEC’s Digital Identity Platform is built according to these same standards. It is highly accurate, prioritizes privacy and is trusted by numerous government agencies.

Learn more from Eugene le Roux, Vice President of Digital Government, about why NEC Advanced Recognition Systems is advocating for a federal framework to ensure that independent systems meet interoperability and privacy standards in the first edition of thought-provoking blogs titled, “Government’s Role in the Growing Digital ID Market.” Or you can contact NEC to visualize your Digital ID solution and begin your journey toward transformation.

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