Eyes are the first part that anyone notices in a human body. Eyes have 2 uniquely identifiable patterns for every human being on earth such as retina and Iris. Iris scanning makes it easier and more accurate for organizations to identify users. Today we will discuss how Iris Recognition is distinctive in identity verification and what benefits it has over other methods of identification. We will also discuss how facial recognition can employ Iris scanning and upscale its performance.
Overview
Iris is a unique pattern in the colored part of the human eye through which unique identities to users can be issued. Here are a few uses of Iris scanning
- Identity Verification in governmental organizations and other highly secure premises
- Customer Onboarding in banks through KYC implements Iris recognition.
- Border Security and Immigration uses Iris to protect jurisdictions from criminals illegally entering the states. It helps in combating terrorism and fighting other national crimes. Last year Macau tested Iris recognition for border crossings in August.
- Law enforcement uses Iris recognition in criminal investigations and forensic analysis to resolve crime cases.
- Iris scanning is also used in patient identification and maintaining patient records digitally.
- Iris recognition can also be used at workplaces to ensure time tracking and prevent buddy punching.
How Iris Recognition Works?
Iris Recognition works on the principle of throwing infrared lights. Iris melanin is transparent when exposed to infrared light and it reveals the Iris pattern in the camera.
The algorithms of Iris scanning detect the boundaries of Iris and process an image of Iris pattern. This image is then recorded and then used for Identity matching and verification onto different individuals or subjects.
Iris Recognition Systems and Presentation Attacks
Iris recognition technology can be used by negative minded people for illicit gains. Whenever an individual’s Iris pattern of one or both eyes is recorded with sufficient details, the image can be used to recreate an Iris pattern that looks highly realistic and now can be misused to bypass Iris biometric identity verification check. However, the good actors like identity solution providers are working on strengthening the anti-fraud mechanisms and making Iris forgery difficult.
Benefits of Iris Recognition
With reference to identity verification, Iris scanning has several benefits that make it one of the most secure, accurate and desirable methods of identification.
- Iris scanning has a very low false match rate which makes it accurate and trustworthy in rightly identifying users.
- Iris is considered safe in controlled environments and difficult to copy in normal settings.
- Iris scanning is now being made easily accessible to everyone and now companies are focused on making Iris recognition low in cost.
- Unlike Retina scanning, Iris doesn’t require a person to hold still in front of a biometric scanner for a long time or maintain eye position.
Iris Recognition in Facial Recognition
Iris Recognition is considered an integral part of facial recognition systems. It is because facial features include eyes as one of the core unique human features. Iris pattern can’t be easily spoofed as compared to other facial features that can use mask attacks to mimic an original face.
Similarly Iris Recognition also strengthens the liveness detection offering an added layer of security. It helps in detecting liveness in the subject and detect anomalies as Iris contracts and expands due to light exposure and also when it focuses on different objects as per distance from the eye. Yet it is still identifiable.
Challenges in Using Iris Recognition Systems in Identity Verification
Iris Recognition being a highly sophisticated technology has some limitations or challenges in its implementation that are faced by organizations of different scope.
- Cost can be a major factor while using Iris scanning in identity verification. Many small to medium sized enterprises may not be able to afford high cost and high end Iris systems for KYC.
- Iris Recognition can also pose health risks to users who are continuously exposed to infrared rays. Their eyesight and overall optical performance may get affected by the use of Iris scanning.
- User’s Privacy and the element of trust can be another issue where Identity Solutions should consider taking the user’s consent and provide alternate means of identification as well.
Iris Recognition system is by far one of the most accurate and unique systems in Facial Detection. Solutions are focusing on implementing Iris scan to add a layer of verification alongside maintaining speed and accuracy. It is to prevent risks in the limited time window in which a criminal can bypass a system.
Conclusion
With the rise in deep fake attacks, impersonation attacks and the use of AI, fraud is becoming common and dark activities are dominating cyber spaces that raises serious concerns on the safety and security of genuine and authentic users while surfing the internet. Therefore, IDV solutions like Facia who commit and deliver speed of detecting liveness under one second and accuracy of 0% false acceptance rate are trusted as your compliance partner. Organizations can integrate with Facia and use it seamlessly to offer customers better experience in identity verification.