Biometric Security in Windows NT Networks

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What technology does the system use to improve security in Microsoft Windows NT based networks?

Facial recognition

Unique fingerprints (correct)

Smart cards

Voice recognition

Which of the following technologies is mentioned as complimentary to the fingerprint reader?

Smart card based systems (correct)

Retinal scan devices

Password systems

Biometric voice authentication

Which company developed the technology used in the fingerprint reader's software algorithm?

Microsoft

Identicator (correct)

Biometrica

Public Biometric Group

What is a key benefit of replacing passwords with fingerprint technology in network security?

Enhanced security Signup and view all the answers

What function does the fingerprint reader serve in the context of biometrics?

Reading unique fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What primary technology is used in silicon-based fingerprint sensors for measurement?

DC Capacitance Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of optical sensors mentioned?

Residual prints affecting image quality Signup and view all the answers

Which feature allows silicon sensors to convert capacitance into a digital image?

Grayscale digitization Signup and view all the answers

How does the resolution of silicon fingerprint sensors compare to optical sensors?

Higher resolution with better image quality Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drawback associated with silicon sensors as they age?

Decreased accuracy due to wear Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the microprocessor in the silicon-based fingerprint sensing process?

To digitize the measured capacitance values Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the creation of a pattern between the finger's ridges and the sensor’s plates in silicon sensors?

Weak electrical charges created when the finger is placed on the sensor Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of optical sensors over other types?

They have proven reliability over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of multibiometric systems in relation to user authentication?

They provide anti-spoofing measures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a spoof attack on a fingerprint recognition system?

Employing temperature sensing technology. Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology involves studying the pores and outlines of fingerprint ridges?

Third level detail analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential solution for detecting spoofed fingerprints?

Live finger moisture pattern detection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials could be used to create a fake finger for spoofing?

Silicone rubber Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical measurement technology being researched to assess fingerprint vitality?

Pulse oximetry and moisture pattern. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can diminish the recovery of third level detail in fingerprint analysis?

Application of Basic Yellow dye. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using multibiometric systems?

They can ensure sufficient population coverage by using multiple traits. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do multibiometric systems primarily address?

Preventing simultaneous spoofing of multiple traits. Signup and view all the answers

What does a lower Equal Error Rate (EER) indicate in a fingerprint recognition system?

Improved matching accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation faced when extracting minutiae points from low-quality fingerprints?

The global pattern of ridges and furrows cannot be analyzed. Signup and view all the answers

What does FAR stand for in the context of fingerprint recognition systems?

False Acceptance Rate Signup and view all the answers

What issue is not typically addressed by the FX3 algorithm?

Global patterns of ridges and furrows Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges with fingerprint matching based on minutiae?

It struggles with different sized minutiae patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What research issue pertains to enhancing the authentication process in fingerprint systems?

Security against counterfeit fingerprints. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the purpose of feature extraction in fingerprint recognition?

To convert the fingerprint image into a format for matching. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of fingerprints are classified as arches?

5-10% Signup and view all the answers

Which step follows obtaining a clear image of the fingerprint in the enhancement process?

Ridge thinning Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of minutiae localization?

To identify false minutiae Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'core' in the context of fingerprint minutiae?

The origin point on an X,Y-axis Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly used to enhance fingerprint images?

Local ridge orientation and frequency Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue that can create false minutiae during fingerprint processing?

Scars, sweat, or dirt Signup and view all the answers

The angle of a minutia is established at the point where what occurs?

A ridge ends Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the matching accuracy in biometric authentication systems?

Stability of biometric data over time Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of ultrasound sensors compared to optical devices?

They can penetrate dirt and residue on the sensing plate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of silicon chips mentioned in the content?

Their durability under sub-optimal conditions has not been proven. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about thermal sensors?

They can function well in extreme temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What does the performance of ultrasound sensors heavily depend on?

The contact quality between the finger and sensor plate. Signup and view all the answers

Why is miniaturization of silicon chips considered beneficial?

It allows for integration into numerous devices while reducing costs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drawback of thermal fingerprint sensing technology?

The images disappear quickly. Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of pyro-electric material in thermal sensors work?

It converts differences in temperature into voltage. Signup and view all the answers

What factor limits the effectiveness of silicon chips in sub-optimal conditions?

The lack of evidence for durability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fingerprint Recognition

Fingerprint recognition is one of the oldest and most researched fields of biometrics.
Some biological principles related to fingerprint recognition (Moenssens 1971) are:
- Individual epidermal ridges and furrows have different characteristics for different fingerprints.
- Fingerprint configuration types are individually variable but vary within limits that allow for systematic classification.
- Fingerprint configurations and minute details of furrows are permanent and unchanging.
Fingerprints are fully formed at about seven months of fetal development.
Fingerprint configurations do not change throughout the life of an individual, except for accidents (bruises, cuts).
Unrelated people of the same race have very little generic similarity in their fingerprints.
Parent and child have some generic similarity (share half the genes).
Siblings have higher similarity.
Monozygotic (identical) twins have the highest degree of generic similarity.

Fingerprint Sensors

Fingerprint sensors include:
- Optical
- Silicon-based capacitive
- Ultrasound
- Thermal

Optical Sensors

Oldest and most widely used technology.
The finger is placed on a coated hard plastic plate.
A charged coupled device (CCD) converts the fingerprint image into a digital signal (dark ridges, light valleys).
Brightness adjustment (automatic or manual) creates a usable image.

Optical Sensor Advantages

Proven over time
Withstand some temperature fluctuations
Relatively inexpensive
Resolutions up to 500 dpi

Optical Sensor Disadvantages

Large sensing plate size
Residual prints from previous users can cause image degradation (multiple superimposed prints).
Coating and CCD arrays can wear with age, reducing accuracy.
Vendors are shifting towards silicon-based technology.

Silicon-based Sensors

Silicon technology has gained acceptance since the late 90s.
Most silicon sensor technology is based on DC capacitance, but some use AC capacitance.
The silicon sensor acts as one plate of a capacitor, with the finger being the other plate.
The capacitance between the sensing plate and the finger is converted to an 8-bit grayscale digital image.

Silicon-based Sensor Advantages

High resolution (200x200 lines on a 1cm x 1.5cm wafer)
High image quality with less surface area than optical methods
Lower costs due to smaller chip size
Integrable into numerous devices.

Silicon-based Sensor Disadvantages

Durability, especially in sub-optimal conditions, is less well-proven than optical methods.
Enrolment and verification should be done carefully given the smaller size of the sensor.

Ultrasound Sensors

Ultrasound technology is considered the most accurate fingerprint technology.
Uses transmitted ultrasound waves and measures the distance based on the impedance of the finger, plate, and air.
Preliminary usage indicates significant promise.

Ultrasound Sensor Advantages

Can penetrate dirt and residue on the plate and finger.
Overcomes optical sensor limitations (e.g., contamination doesn't impair reading).
Combines strength of optical (large platen size, ease of use) and silicon (ability to overcome sub-optimal reading conditions) technologies
Difficult to deceive an ultrasound system

Ultrasound Sensor Disadvantages

Image quality heavily depends on the contact between the sensor plate and finger.
Sensor plate may be too hot.

Thermal Sensors

Uses pyro-electric material to convert temperature differences into specific voltages.
This effect is used in infrared cameras.
A thermal fingerprint sensor measures the temperature differential between sensor pixels touching ridges and those touching valleys (which aren't in contact).

Thermal Sensor Advantages

Strong immunity to electrostatic discharge.
Thermal imaging functions in extreme temperatures.
Difficult to deceive with artificial fingertips

Thermal Sensor Disadvantages

Image quickly disappears due to thermal equilibrium between finger and the sensor.
To avoid this problem, a scanning technique is used, where the finger scans the surface, maintaining the temperature difference between the device and the finger.

Fingerprint Classification

Large volumes of fingerprints are collected daily.
Classification is necessary to reduce search time and computational complexity.
Fingerprints can be matched to a coarse pre-defined type first, then to specific subsets of the database.
Numerous algorithms have been developed for this process.

Line Types Classification

Lists various line types in fingerprints (e.g., bifurcations, arches, loops, islands, ellipses, tented arches, spirals, rods, sweat glands).

Automatic Verification System

Presents a flowchart of steps in fingerprint verification: Image Acquisition, Image Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Template Registration, Template Matching, Stored Template.

Feature Extraction

The human fingerprint is comprised of various ridge patterns.
Historically, fingerprints have been classified according to a decades-old Henry system: left and right loops, arches, whorls, and tented arches.
Loops, whorls, and arches make up approximately 2/3, 1/3, and between 5-10% respectively of fingerprints.
These classifications are mostly used in forensic applications; not in biometric authentication.

Feature Enhancement

Aims to improve fingerprint clarity, especially for low-quality fingerprints with noise issues or contrast deficiency.
Input images are processed to highlight ridge and furrow structures.
Lighter areas are discarded; darker areas turn black.
Ridges are thinned to one pixel for precise location of endings and bifurcations.

Minutiae Feature Extraction

Minutiae localization identifies and analyzes minutia, which are ridge endpoints and bifurcations.
Filters out distortions, false minutiae, and random artifacts (scars, sweat, dirt) from the image.
Locates ridge endings and bifurcations, and defines their position (distance from core) and orientation (angle from a horizontal line).
Classifies minutia by type and quality to aid quicker searches.

Template Selection

Matching accuracy depends on the stability (permanence) of biometric data.
Changes in the data can be due to sensor interaction issues, environmental factors, and temporary changes to the biometric trait.
Variation in fingerprint presentation can lead to mismatches.

Template Selection Solutions

Multiple templates that represent biometric variability.
To address partial overlapping, multiple impressions are important.
Optimal template selection needs balance between multiple templates, storage/computational overhead, and efficiency

Matching Algorithm

Automatic Minutiae Detection (AMD) locates terminations and bifurcations in fingerprint patterns, crucial for matching.
Ensures accuracy, especially for low-quality fingerprints with potentially similar pixel features to actual minutiae.

Matching Algorithm (contd.)

This algorithm aims to compare minutiae from two fingerprint images;
Input image(s) minutia are marked
Input image is superimposed onto the first image
Probabilistic results based on matching minutiae are calculated.

Problems With AMD

Accurately extracting minutiae can be difficult in low-quality fingerprints.
AMD does not account for a fingerprint's global pattern of ridges and furrows.
Fingerprint matching has trouble with mismatched/resized minutia patterns.

FX3 Algorithm

FX3 SDK is an innovative algorithmic collection for security-focused fingerprint processing and matching.
Provides multi-modal matching and feature extraction directly from grayscale fingerprint images.

Accuracy

FAR: False Accept Rate-Probability of impostors being wrongly accepted.
FRR: False Reject Rate-Probability of genuine users being wrongly rejected.
EER: Equal Error Rate-Threshold where FAR and FRR are equal, a crucial performance metric.

Research Issues

Research in fingerprint recognition focuses on system security and improving FAR and FRR, multibiometrics strategies, security against fake fingerprints, and third level detail (pores and ridge outlines)

Multibiometrics Systems

Multibiometric systems (e.g., uses fingerprint, face, voice, iris) use multiple biometric traits for enhanced security and reliability.
Improves accuracy against spoofing and provides more comprehensive coverage over a broader population.

Attacks

Includes scenarios for attacking biometric systems, such as artificially made biometric data, attacking the database and input ports.

Attacks—Solutions

Hardware and software-based solutions to improve system resilience to attacks include: temperature sensing, detecting finger pulsation, pulse oximetry, electrical conductivity, ECG, and determining fingerprint vitality levels by multiple captures.

Third Level Detail

Newer research area focusing on the pore and ridge outline characteristics of each fingerprint.
The quality and recovery depends on the methods use for fingerprint impression and subsequent procedures (chemical treatments, staining).

Third Level Details (contd.)

Maximising the quality typically involves image lighting to ensure accurate image creation.
Input images are usually processed in a digital darkroom (Image Pro Plus).
Images would undergo several subsequent processes (e.g., filter applications, image inversions, thresholding), to aid analysis and printing at desired sizes.

Applications

Fingerprint recognition is used in banking security (ATMs, card transactions), physical access control (airports), information systems security, national ID systems, passport control, prisoner/visitor management, voting, criminal identification, missing children identification, and currently under research: secure e-commerce.

Biometric Comparison (2001)

Presents a pie chart representing market shares in 2001, across various biometric technologies, including fingerprint, iris scan, keystroke-scan, facial scan, voice scan, signature-scan, hand scan, and middleware.

Latest Technologies

Lockheed Martin Fingerprint Registry Service: centralized processing and database providing affordable solutions to organizations at multiple (federal, state, local) levels. Designed to screen applicants for sensitive jobs or individuals with undesirable histories.
COMPAQ Fingerprint Identification: a more affordable biometric security offering, compatible with various PC and Workstation types and operating systems, designed for security enhancement for NT-based networks.

References (Page 40)

Provides a list of research references on fingerprint recognition, biometric systems, and related topics.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the technologies behind biometric security in Microsoft Windows NT based networks, focusing on fingerprint recognition systems. Test your knowledge on the functionalities, advantages, and potential drawbacks of using fingerprint technology over traditional password systems.