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Vein Patterns Could Replace Fingerprints

Posted by samzenpus on from the no-two-alike dept.

Death Metal writes "Companies in Europe have begun to roll out an advanced biometric system from Japan that identifies people from the unique patterns of veins inside their fingers. Finger vein authentication, introduced widely by Japanese banks in the last two years, is claimed to be the fastest and most secure biometric method. Developed by Hitachi, it verifies a person's identity based on the lattice work of minute blood vessels under the skin."

5 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. How about using it as a "username"? by mlts · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Maybe its me being pedantic, but I consider biometrics something that is intended to replace typing in a username, as opposed to being both pairs of the username/password combo. Ideally, one would have biometrics to ID which user is wanting access, then have a contactless smart card and/or a PIN for the "password" part that confirms the user is whom he or she said they are.

    1. Re:How about using it as a "username"? by cjfs · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Agreed. Single-factor authentication based on something that's not reissuable is a recipe for failure.

      Eventually people will run out of non-compromised fingers ;-)

  2. Replacement veins in case of fraud? by irexe · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Until someone figures out how to revoke and replace biometric properties in case of fraud, I don't see why we should even be considering them as a serious replacement for good old passports.

    1. Re:Replacement veins in case of fraud? by phoenix321 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It would be very necessary to mandate a "duress PIN" or password for every authentication point. A silent alarm whenever someone is forced to enter credentials against their will.

      This should be mandatory for all authentication systems anyway, it would certainly hinder these ridiculous one-day kidnappings and ATM muggings.

  3. Re:Hacking (in more ways than one) by abigsmurf · · Score: 4, Insightful

    That is incredibly difficult. you'd need to hook up each individual vein and artery (with the flow going in the correct direction) and get the pressure spot on else you'll either damage the veins or just fill up the finger like a balloon.