John Ndlovu
Information and Technology Reporter
The Evolution of information technology has been significant in the safe keeping of information in today’s world.
Information Technology refers to the technological involvement of the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data. Technology has advanced over the years from sending of mails and faxing to sharing of information through texts and fast applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.
Biometrics is now prevalent in the security sectors where fingers, face and eyes have been used to lock and unlock devices.
Biometrics are biological measurements or physical characteristics that can be used to identify individuals. For example, fingerprint mapping, facial recognition, and retina scans(eye censoring).
Sometimes people use things unconsciously without noticing that they are actually using biometrics, for example from their smartphones(through unlocking using fingerprints and face locks), in the voting procedure whereby thumbs are used to identify who you are while throwing ballots, a system which was recently adopted by the Zimbabwean government in 2018.
Zim GBC News obtained insights from technology specialists on the issue and got mixed views.
Luckson Musaka a Bulawayo resident who has a good knowledge and understanding of modern technology complemented the Biometric system in cellphones as he stated that it is very reliable more than passwords as the latter can be easily tracked or cracked by intruders.
“I definitely recommend Biometrics especially in phones for example no-one can track and copy my fingerprint or face recognition and so therefore my information will be more secure from intruders, so it is more reliable.”Stated Musaka.
Mgcini Ndebele who describes himself as a technology wizard based in Nkulumane explained that Biometrics are of great significance as they make access to data by users or owners easier and faster as compared to the use of confusing patterns and long passwords. One can also just access their own information through their device by just inserting their thumb or fingerprint.
“I definitely prefer the use of Biometrics in terms of using fingerprints and face-locks in my phone as it is very efficient and faster, I can access my phone faster by just inserting my finger or my face on my device unlike the traditional way where I would need to access through a long password or a pattern which one might forget. Plus it’s so stylish.”Ndebele said.
Ndebele added that it’s also almost impossible to replicate one’s device or access to any place with Biometrics as fingerprints and face locks or iris scanners definitely differ so hence-wise this makes Biometrics one of the most secure ways of keeping information from devices or anywhere.
Another computer technician working in the Bulawayo Central Business District Mduduzi Ncube (not his real name) stated that Biometrics however have their own dis-advantages as some of them can be easily copied such as voice detection and face-lock as an intruder might imitate the owner’s voice to infiltrate through and gain access to their possession whilst whereas in Face detection someone might use the owner’s picture to gain access.
“Although Biometric is most recommended for ensuring security to one’s information or possessions, however some of the Biometric options are re-plicable, for example voice, face-lock, something like a good photo and someone looking like you can actually detect and infiltrate through and gain access to your information. The most reliable one is the iris-scan as eyes have different components from one person to another henceforth they cannot be replicated.”Mduduzi Ncube said.
‘Biometrics in terms of locking buildings requires availability of power(electricity) 24/7 henceforth in Zimbabwe with sporadic power outages it will be difficult to cope up with the Biometric system this would result in people failing to gain access to their buildings due to absence of power and they require a lot of power and backup power that would require computer systems to be on 24/7 so there would not be any challenges post power outages.” Ncube added.
Therefore, despite its weaknesses, Biometrics is one of the most important aspects in ensuring that security is assured in any device as information would be computerized henceforth it would help people from cramming passwords and it would be easier for information owners to access it(information) with just a fingerprint, face-lock and even through just using their eyes.
–Zim GBC News2023
johnndlovu1998@gmail.com