A fingerprint scanner is an electronic security system that uses fingerprints for biometric authentication to grant a user access to information or to authorize transactions.
How does fingerprint scanning work?
In the past, fingerprint scanners were mainly seen in movies and TV shows, or read about in science fiction novels. But such times when imagination exceeded human technical capabilities are long gone: fingerprint scanners have been in use for decades! Not only are fingerprint scanners becoming more and more common in the latest mobile devices, but they are also gradually becoming more and more popular in everyday life. Here's what you need to know about fingerprint scanners and how they work.
Human fingerprints are virtually unique, which is why they are so successful in identifying individuals. It is not just law enforcement agencies that collect and maintain fingerprint databases. Many professions that require a professional license or certification (e.g., financial advisors, stockbrokers, real estate agents, teachers, doctors/nurses, security, contractors, etc.) require fingerprints as a condition of employment. It is also common practice to provide fingerprints when notarizing documents.
Advances in technology have made it possible to integrate fingerprint scanners (also called “readers” or “sensors”) as another (optional) security feature for mobile devices. Fingerprint scanners are one of the latest in an ever-growing list—PIN codes, pattern codes, passwords, facial recognition, location detection, iris scanning, voice recognition, trusted Bluetooth or NFC connections—of ways to lock and unlock smartphones. Why use a fingerprint scanner? Many like it for its security, convenience, and futuristic feel.
