Finger vibrations could provide low-cost biometric security

A new touch authentication system uses an individual’s unique finger bone vibrations to allow secure access.

Biometrics currently provides the strongest methods of security, with the main drawback being the cost of the equipment needed to authenticate users. Developed by researchers from Rutgers University, a new system called VibWrite could allow any hard surface to provide smart security access. An inexpensive vibration motor and sensor can be installed almost anywhere, and combined with a user’s unique finger bone vibrations, make secure access quick and easy to maintain.

Stronger than passwords because it authorizes the individual, not just a code, VibWrite has been 95 percent accurate in trials with only a three percent false positive rate of identification. The vibration system allows users to choose which style of authentication to use – either a number, pattern or gesture – and should be highly resilient to attempted theft. Further development will focus on strengthening the hardware for use in adverse weather conditions and improving the algorithms used for authentication.

Other methods of biometric identification include otoacoustic authentication technology, which recognizes the characteristics of a user’s ear; and sound waves that identify users via the unique pattern of vibrations produced by their skull. How might personal banking incorporate some of these new methods?