biometrics, measures of individuals’ unique physical characteristics or behavioral traits that are typically used in automated recognition technology to verify personal identity. Physical characteristics used include fingerprints, faces, retinas, and voice patterns. Biometric authentication may be used to manage an individual’s access to resources such as buildings, rooms, computers, and phones. Timeline: Biometrics Technology Automated biometric systems did not become popular until the 1990s, but the ideas on which they are based originated thousands of years ago. Ancient Egyptians identified trustworthy traders by their physical descriptions. In Babylon fingerprints were used as identification by merchants who recorded business transactions on ...(100 of 1205 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!