Fingerprinting Is Out..Finger Vein Authentication Is In

Finger vein authentication, introduced widely used in Japan, is claimed to be the fastest and most secure biometric method.Finger vein authentication works by utilizing the vein patterns in one’s fingers to verify the identity of individuals. When one’s finger is placed on the vein authentication device, the vein patterns are scanned and recorded onto an IC card, and then matched with the records in a database to confirm the identity of an individual. Unlike fingerprinting and other forms of biometrics where the biological information being scanned is on the exterior of the body, finger vein authentication scans information on the interior of the body and therefore makes falsification extremely difficult. Finger vein authentication thus serves as a highly secure form of personal authentication.

The technology is now being introduced into Europe. It can also be used to in cars to thwart thieves.

Comparative Analysis (Courtesy Hitachi)
Biometric Information	Authentication Method	Security	User Resistance	Cost	Privacy	Size of Device
Finger Vein	Uses finger vein patterns	High	Low	Medium	Very Private	Small to Medium
Palm Vein	Uses palm vein patterns	High	Low	Medium	Very Private	Medium
Fingerprint	Uses distinguishing points of a fingerprint	Medium	High	Low	No Privacy	Small
Facial Contours	Uses facial contours, location and shape of eyes and nose	Low	Low	Medium	No Privacy	Medium to Large
Iris	Uses the pattern of radial features of the iris	High	High	Medium to High	Medium Privacy	Large