Characteristic Biometric System

While a biometric is the actual characteristic or trait, a biometric system is the computer hardware and software used to recognize or verify an individual. Although there are many variations in how specific products and systems work, there are a number of common processing elements.

As a first step, a system must collect or “capture” the biometric to be used. One essential difference between the various techniques is the characteristic (body part or function) being analyzed. Obviously, this will influence the method of capture. All biometric systems have some sort of collection mechanism. This could be a reader or sensor upon which a person places his finger or hand, a camera that takes a picture of his face or eye, or software that captures the rhythm and speed of his typing.

The terms homeland security and homeland defense have received increased attention since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. While these terms are relatively new, the concepts behind them are not. Homeland security is defined as the deterrence, prevention, and preemption of and defense against aggression targeted at U.S. territory, sovereignty, population, and infrastructure as well as the management of the consequences of such aggression and other domestic emergencies. Homeland defense on the other hand is a subset of homeland security. It is defined as the deterrence, prevention, and preemption of and defense against direct attacks aimed at U.S. territory, population, and infrastructure. In other words, you might consider homeland security to encompass policies, actions, and structures designed to protect the rights and freedoms inherent in the U.S. Constitution and homeland defense a subset of homeland security with policies, activities, and actions designed to defend against extra-territorial threats, including preemptive operations. Nevertheless, the homeland security space is still being defined. A homeland security industry is still emerging.