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Army Biometrics
9/28/99
JoJo
OSAll Contributor
It was a few days ago when the world learned that the Army was trying to move away from passwords. They´re looking at several options, primarily various forms of biometrics. Currently they´re still conducting studies...
The reasoning behind a switch from passwords is relatively obvious -- passwords have never been ideal. Between weak password choice and all the other problems we all have to deal with they´re just an imperfect solution.
It would (or at least shold) seem obvious that this is a first step away from passwords for everyone. It´s been years since sophisticated biometric authentication has been available in the private sector but people have been slow to latch on.
Fingerprint identification seems to be favored in the private sector because of its relatively lower cost and ease of use. Retinal scanning and voice recognition are both being looked at carefully by DoD, though.
"Passwords aren´t an acceptable security measure now, and they certainly won´t be in the future," explained John Lawshank, a DoD security expert. "A person´s eyes fingerprints and voice just can´t be stolen," he continued.
Voice isn´t being considered as seriously as fingerprints and retinal scanning though. "Recording technology may get good enough that you can´t tell the difference," Lawshank said.
At the same time they´re looking at ways to pass through biometric controls. "I can beat a retinal scanner with a tablespoon. I would use it to scoop out [your] eyes. I could use a knife for the thumbs. See Sneakers for the mag-card."
Lawshank says that retinal scans are currently the most favored technology because they´re most compatible with military equipment. |
