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Month: November 2018

Published on Leave a comment on Term of the Week: Biometrics

What is it?

A means by which a person can be uniquely identified by analyzing distinguishing traits such as fingerprints, retina and iris patterns, voice signatures, gait, and facial characteristics.

Why is it important?

Biometrics-based security is increasingly being used to identify people -- for example, using a fingerprint to unlock a smartphone. Security professionals are turning to biometrics both for convenience and because password-based security is not secure enough. Inherent traits, such as a retina pattern or gait, cannot be easily counterfeited, making them potentially more secure, especially when used as an additional factor in a multi-factor authentication scheme.
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Published on Leave a comment on Term of the Week: Physical Access Control

What is it?

The ability to control entry to physical locations based on factors such as date, time, and access level. Access control systems can also create audit trails, raise alarms, and adjust authorizations based on the threat level.

Why is it important?

Access control helps ensure that only authorized people have access to your facilities.
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Published on Leave a comment on Term of the Week: Identity Management

What is it?

The information security discipline that establishes and manages the roles and access privileges of individual users, including humans and machines, within a computer network. Identity management is also known as identity and access management.

Why is it important?

Identity management enables companies to control who, how, when, and which users access information or digital assets. Identity management systems can enhance productivity in addition to protecting assets.
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