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 Back to 2005 Press Releases
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Gartner Evaluates the Progress and Future Deployment of Biometrics |
Egham, UK — 13 July 2005: Government applications, such as national and international ID cards and passports, have done much to raise the profile of biometrics in recent months, even though these applications are unlikely to be widespread for another five to ten years. Many citizens are worried about the potential for invasions of privacy and about the use of databases to store sensitive personal information. A bigger concern, though, should be the security of registration and issuance processes.
Widespread adoption of biometric systems to verify identity is severely hindered by problems such as high costs, variable accuracy and reliability, and a lack of defined technical standards. As a result, organisations assessing authentication technologies for network access tend to chose tried-and-tested, cost-effective products like one-time password tokens and consider biometrics only fleetingly.
From technologies in embryonic stages such as User Authentication in automated teller machines (ATMs) to the rapidly evolving use of biometrics to monitor employee time and attendance, Gartner examines the progress of eight core biometric applications and evaluates their technological maturity using in its latest 'Hype Cycle for the Uses of Biometric Technologies 2005'.
Gartner offers the following advice for organisations considering the implementation of biometrics:
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Organisations considering biometric technology for to verify users' identities should use it in conjunction with other authentication methods, such as smart cards. This will help to ensure adequate security.
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Organisations that opt to use biometrics together with smart cards (or other authentication methods) should expect high costs and a complex integration task.
- The security of an inconvenient biometric system is likely to be compromised. An organisation should ensure their chosen biometric technology makes peoples lives easier.
- Organisations should determine the level of security needed for each biometric application, as this factor has the most bearing on which technologies and vendors are most suitable.
- Organisations should assess other authentication technologies, such as smart cards and one-time password tokens, if the drawbacks of biometric systems appear too great.
Press Contact:
For further information or to receive a full copy of Gartner's 'Hype Cycle for the Uses of Biometric Technologies, 2005', please contact Bite Communications on Tel: +44 (0)20 8834 3508 or email: gartner@bitepr.com.
Find out more about Gartner's IT Security Summit, 14-15 September 2005, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London at www.europe.gartner.com/security.
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About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry. Gartner serves more than 10,000 clients, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the investment community. The Company focuses on delivering objective, in-depth analysis and actionable advice to enable clients to make more informed business and technology decisions. The Company's businesses consist of Research and Events for IT professionals; Gartner Executive Programs, membership programs and peer networking services; and Gartner Consulting, customized engagements with a specific emphasis on outsourcing and IT management. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and has over 3,900 associates, including more than 1,100 research analysts and consultants, in more than 75 locations worldwide. For more information,
visit www.gartner.com.
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