Fingerprinting is a modern technique used for identification purposes, enhancing security measures and copyright protection. Scanners create visual images of fingerprints, which are stored permanently for retrieval as needed. Fingerprinting is used in security measures and law enforcement agencies to match fingerprints against criminal records. As technology advances, fingerprinting could be used in situations where positive and accurate identification is essential.
Also known as fingerprinting, fingerprinting is a contemporary approach to creating fingerprint images that can be used for identification purposes in a number of settings. This type of asset can be used to enhance security measures at businesses, government buildings, and other physical locations, as well as create a more effective means of copyright protection and identification of criminals involved in committing a specific crime. Unlike older fingerprinting techniques, modern fingerprints are not prone to deterioration and can be matched to various electronic records in no time, perhaps even seconds in some applications.
While the processes used in fingerprinting vary somewhat, many approaches require the use of scanners that create visual images of the fingerprint. The data captured by the scanners is enhanced using software and then stored permanently for retrieval as needed. When newly created fingerprint images need to be matched to other images already in the file, a search is initiated, the entire database is scanned for matches, and the closest ones are returned, along with a percentage range for the match. Typically, the ideal match is one hundred percent, although some systems may return lower percentages based on factors such as image quality.
Fingerprinting is often used as a security measure. Employee fingerprints are scanned and stored in a local database, linked to scanners mounted near various external and internal doors. Each employee can be approved to enter specific areas of the facility and is able to gain that access by placing their hand against a scanner near that entrance. The scanner reads the fingerprints of the person requesting entry, matches them against an archived set, and grants or denies access, based on the individual’s security clearance.
Even law enforcement agencies use fingerprints. While some localities still use ink and blotting paper to prepare basic fingerprints and then scan those images into an electronic database, it is increasingly common for the prints of anyone arrested to be scanned directly into the local database. Typically, these local systems are networked via state and federal databases that allow fingerprints to be matched against criminal records anywhere in the nation. This means that someone who is arrested in one location for a minor offense but is wanted for an outstanding warrant in one location across the country can be identified as soon as their fingerprints are scanned at the time of their last arrest.
As with most forms of digital media, fingerprinting continues to advance as new forms of technology emerge. Due to the unique nature of fingerprints in general, capturing this data electronically opens up the possibility of using fingerprints in all sorts of situations where positive and accurate identification is essential. There is some expectation that fingerprinting could be used in the future in a number of situations that currently use nametags or even electronic ID cards as a means of confirming identity.
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