Fingerprints, from Forensic Analysis to Computer Security

One of nature's hidden identification methods, fingerprints, is now moving beyond the enclosed area of forensic science and is gradually entering the hi-tech world, as they are considered the next big thing in computer security for the general public.

Fingerprinting is probably the most widely used method of identifying individuals. The police uses this method to identify suspects by matching the fingerprints taken from a crime scene with those found in their databases, or with those of unrecorded suspects they encounter.

Now, they can also be used to make sure no unauthorized user can access various electronic applications, like PCs, removable drives and soon, even guns belonging to police officers. Recently, stores and shops started trial versions of ATMs where customers can pay using only their fingerprints, thus removing the need for cards, cash and checks.

Laptops with fingerprint locks are already on the market and a new range of fingerprint-activated computer security devices are either on the way or undergoing market tests. URSecure, a brand of Digi-Clik International, launched in the Australasian market a fingerprint-scanning mouse which locks a user's computer and portable flash drives, also activated by the owner's unique fingerprint impression.

On flash drives equipped with fingerprint scanners, data can be transferred to any computer via a USB connection, but only after the drive has scanned an authorized fingerprint, a measure that will surely appeal to companies handling confidential information and even to individuals that want to make sure their personal documents won't fall into the wrong hands.

Today, many private companies, as well as government agencies, use fingerprint scanners to make sure only authorized personnel has access to classified information, so the same method will likely expand from door locks to PCs and memory sticks.

So, from computer giants trying to avoid industrial espionage to forensic detectives and young girls wanting to keep moms from reading their diary, everyone will soon enjoy the wonderful tags nature embedded in our fingertips.