Biometric Analysis

What kind of biometric recognition system is the best? This is a good question. If we rely on statistics to help us make a decision, then we rely on something called the Crossover Error Rate or CER. This is where the False Rejection Rate and the False Acceptance Rate are equal.

The lower the CER the more reliable the system will be in protecting the asset it was put in place for. In addition, if there are too many rejected attempts to access the asset that come from users with a valid access and need, the access control system is less useful. In this case, the availability of the asset has been impacted because the system is refusing to grant access for valid attempts.

On the flip side, if there are too many false acceptances, the asset could also be compromised in a hostile or unfriendly attempt to gain access. Both of these scenarios are unacceptable to the institutions with assets to protect. In my research, the best way to find out if a product is worth the money is to visit the website of the company that sells the product that is being considered for purchase.

If the company is forthcoming with a CER or equivalent, I, personally feel more comfortable buying that product. If the company is not forthcoming about the error rates, the product may be questionable. Often companies will state the product meets the ISO... which is an international standard set forth by the experts in that particular field. With some diligence and looking up the standard, the company can then decide if that product meets the company's standard for protecting an asset.

Personally, I am more likely to trust a company that is honest about the product and allow the buyer to make an informed decision. Then again, if the seller states that the products meets an ISO and the buyer finds out that the ISO was misinterpreted or not followed, the buyers assets could be at risk. I think that based on this, it takes knowledgeable and skilled professionals to make a security system work. Without this, the security system may be useless.