Biometrics in the Private Sector

It remains to be seen just how much the private sector will embrace biometrics. Certain isolated implementations notwithstanding, to date, this technology has been largely underutilized by industries such as finance, retail, health care, and others. It is likely a matter of time before each of these sectors recognizes the benefits that biometric technology and overall robust identity management programs can bring to their business operations. Unfortunately, the impetus for such a transition may very well be precipitated by a significant breach of current non-digital identity management protocols. Biometrics currently offers the best, albeit not perfect, option for "fixing" an individual's identity and subsequently vetting that individual with a high degree of confidence. Combined with traditional approaches such as PINs, access cards or tokens, and other identification documentation, biometrics can reduce the likelihood that an organization will experience a breach in its identity management protocols.