It is this generation’s voice recognition software. It’s always about to become ubiquitous. Every year is “The Year of Biometrics.” But, for reasons sensible and not, it never quite achieves entrenchment. Instead, it fills niches. (For a comprehensive analysis, see “Biometrics Slouches Toward the Mainstream,” Page 63.)No shame in that. Executives using retinal scans to access e-mail seems like vain overkill anyway. But using it to access, say, NASA research facilities could be beneficial. No industry has to move so much confidential information or provide access to so many sensitive locations as the government, so biometrics fit naturally in that niche and provide better authentication than just passwords or key cards. The new focus on homeland security has only increased the interest in using biometrics in the government. Here’s a sample.AgencyBiometrics in use or in trialNotesFederal Aviation AdministrationFace scan, voice print, fingerprint, hand geometry, iris scanPart of a larger effort known as Aviation Security Biometrics Working GroupImmigration and Naturalization ServiceHand geometry, voice printBorder crossings are adding biometricsState of ConnecticutFingerprintUsed to prevent welfare fraudOffice of Legislative Counsel, House of RepresentativesIris scanOne official says using biometrics to secure sensitive documents will get the office out of “password jail”National Institute of Standards and TechnologyFace scanLeading an effort on behalf of 14 government agencies to vet facial recognition systems Source: Federal Computer Week and government reports Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe