Fingerprinting (dactyloscopy)

What is fingerprinting in simple words

Fingerprinting (dactyloscopy) is a method of identifying a person by fingerprints and palms. It is based on the fact that the pattern of papillary lines on the skin is unique for each person and does not change throughout life. Even identical twins, who have the same DNA, have different fingerprints.

Fingerprints are formed in the womb at 3-4 months of fetal development and remain unchanged until death. They do not change with age, are not affected by external factors (except for serious injuries that leave scars) and are one of the most reliable ways to identify a person.

Fingerprinting is one of the oldest biometric methods. The first attempts to use fingerprints to identify criminals date back to the end of the 19th century. Today it is one of the most studied and widely used methods, used in forensics, access control systems, migration records and government information systems.

The uniqueness, immutability and stability of fingerprints make fingerprinting a reliable identification method. Even if a person tries to change their fingerprints (for example, with chemicals or mechanical damage), the papillary lines are restored to their original form, since their structure is determined genetically. This makes fingerprinting extremely reliable.

Capture methods

Modern fingerprinting uses several types of scanners to capture fingerprints:

• Optical scanners: Use a camera and backlight to capture a fingerprint image. This is the most common type of scanner, used in most office and home systems. They are reliable and inexpensive, but can fail with dirty or wet fingers.
• Semiconductor (capacitive) scanners: Measure changes in capacitance between the finger and the sensor. They are more accurate and reliable than optical ones, but more expensive. Often used in mobile devices (fingerprint unlock) and in systems with high security requirements.
• Ultrasonic scanners: Use ultrasonic waves to create a 3D image of the fingerprint. They work even with dirty or wet fingers and provide the highest level of accuracy, but are still expensive and less common.

The Biomark product supports reading and processing fingerprint data for access control systems (ACS) and AFIS. This allows using fingerprinting in comprehensive security systems where identification of a large number of people is required.

Modern scanners are equipped with liveness detectors to protect against dummies and fakes. Liveness detectors check that the fingerprint belongs to a live person by analyzing the pulse, finger temperature or electrical conductivity of the skin. This prevents attempts to deceive the system using casts, photographs or artificial fingers.

CIPF tools are used to protect transmitted fingerprint data. The data is encrypted during transmission from the scanner to the server to prevent interception by attackers. In addition, the fingerprints themselves are usually not stored as images — instead, their mathematical templates (feature vectors) are stored, which cannot be restored to the original image.

Application

Fingerprinting is used in a wide variety of areas:

• Forensics: In automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) for solving crimes. Fingerprints found at a crime scene are compared with the database, and the system automatically finds matches.
• Access control systems (ACS): For identifying employees at enterprises, in offices and at secure facilities. Fingerprinting provides a high level of security, since a fingerprint cannot be forgotten, lost or transferred to another person.
• Migration records: For identifying foreign citizens upon entry into the country, obtaining visas, patents and residence permits. Many countries use fingerprinting at the border to verify identity.
• Banking: For client verification in banks, especially when conducting large transactions or opening accounts. Some banks use fingerprinting to log into mobile applications.

State fingerprint registration in Russia is regulated by Federal Law 128-FZ. The law determines who must undergo fingerprinting (military personnel, law enforcement officers, foreign citizens) and how it is conducted. Voluntary fingerprinting can be completed by anyone for personal safety or at the initiative of the employer.

Installation services include the installation and integration of fingerprint equipment. This includes the selection of scanners, software configuration, integration with existing ACS systems and staff training. Read more about biometric solutions in the technologies section.