INTRODUCTION

A basic understanding of computer networks is requisite in order to understand the principles of network security. A “NETWORK” has been defined as “any set of interlinking lines resembling a net, a network of roads an interconnected system, a network of alliances. This definition suits our purpose well. A computer network is simply a system of interconnected computers. 

TYPES OF BIO METRICS:

  Here in this paper we present detailed walkthroughs in few types of biometrics such as:

Ø   Hand Scan

Ø  Finger Scan

Ø  Facial Scan

Ø  Voice Recognition

Ø  Signature Scan

Ø  Retinal Scan

HAND-SCAN:      

           

  Hand Geometry, a biometric authentication technology, which dominates an important segment of the biometric industry. Hand-scan reads the top and sides of the hands and fingers, using such metrics as the height of the fingers, distance between joints, and shape of the knuckles. Though it’s not the most accurate physiological biometric, hand scan has proven to be an ideal solution for low-to mid-security applications.

        The system uses infrared light to look into an individual's hand, like an x-ray it uses this image to compare to a computer database. When someone grabs the device, infrared light takes a digital picture of the inside of an individual's hand. A computer then analyzes the data and since no two hands are alike, the computer can make a positive identification of that individual. 

 FINGER SCAN 

 Finger scan technology is the most prominent biometric authentication technology, one used by millions of people worldwide and for decades in forensic applications. Although more accurate technologies exist, finger-scan is still considered highly accurate;

 RETINAL-SCAN:

 The retinal scan uses a low-intensity light source and a delicate sensor to scan the pattern of blood vessels at the back of the retina, a pattern unique to each individual. Retina scan devices read through the pupil which requires the user to situate his/her eye within 1/2 inch of the capture device, and to hold still while the reader ascertains the patterns. The user looks at a rotating green light as the patterns of the retina are measured at over 400 points. 

FACIAL-SCAN

    The Face Recognition function employs software embedded facial image processing middleware, and utilizes the sub-camera located close to the main display to recognize customers by sensing the position of their eyes, eyebrows, mouth and other facial features. By pre-registering a customer’s face and a secret question and answer, the camera will automatically activate when the handset is opened and authenticate the authorized user less than a second.                                                                 

IRIS-SCAN:

         Iris identification technology is a tremendously accurate biometrics when compared to all the other biometrics. Iris recognition can account for the detection of papillary (pupil) changes; reflections from the cornea, detection of contact lenses on top of the cornea and use of infrared illumination to determine the state of the sample eye tissue.

   Iris recognition also accounts for those ongoing changes to the eyes, which are defining aspects of living tissue. The pupil's expansion and contraction, a constant process separate from its response to light, skews and stretches the iris.  Some more aspects of Iris Scan will be dealt in the further part of our presentation.

Much more about Biometrics:

Biometric Technology Comparison:

Method	Coded Pattern	Misidentification rate	Security	Applications
Iris Scan	Iris pattern	1/1,200,000	High	High-security facilities
Finger Scan	Fingerprints	1/1,000	Medium	Universal
Hand Scan	Size, length and thickness of hands	1/700	Low	Low-security facilities
Facial Scan	Outline, shape and distribution of eyes and nose	1/100	Low	Low-security facilities

The Futureout look:

In future biometrics will be a key instrument in our society. The increase in use of biometrics day to day shows a vivid picture that it has to play an important role in the oncoming days. Biometrics is a rapidly evolving technology which is being widely used in forensics such as criminal identification and prison security, and has the potential to be used in a large range of civilian application areas. Biometrics can be used to prevent unauthorized access to ATMs, cellular phones, smart cards, desktop PCs, workstations, and computer networks. It can be used during transactions conducted via telephone and internet (electronic commerce and electronic banking). In automobiles, biometrics can replace keys with key-less entry devices.

The future of this technology is just starting to bloom. Many issues are arising from this technology and "PRIVACY" is their main concern. With the increasing rate of disaster and fraud, biometrics surely would be an answer for many oncoming problems, which are to be faced. 

CONCLUSION:

“Network Security seems to be a complex topic, but dealing it with a good knowledge and proper handling makes it quiet simpler”.

There is a need for the invention of some of the biometric technologies which are inexpensive, user-friendly and which are of less cost and high accuracy. An organization may seek the help of feedbacks to understand what can be improved, to let them have the sorts of risks that are acceptable, and what has to been done to minimize the organization's exposure to them. It's important to build systems and networks in such a way that the user is not constantly reminded of the security system around him.

Undoubtedly, the network systems will have greater demands in future as more and more people get connected to it. Hence, it must be able to withstand the future such as smarter attackers, more computational power and greater incentives to subvert a widespread system. Security is everybody's business, and only with everyone's cooperation and consistent practices, will it be achievable.