General News
Biometrics: Technologies & Applications Are Not Equivalent – Sarrail
Greg Sarrail is vice president, Solutions Business Development at HID Biometrics. Sarrail also serves as Treasurer of Open Security Exchange; offering a fresh perspective, creative ideas and a strong desire to help drive innovation through the convergence of physical and IT security.
He also serves as Director of IT Channel at HID and offers IT-centric knowledge and experience gained from the IT industry.
He was previously employed by NEC, where he led sales and marketing for their Identity and Access Management business.
In this interview with peter ugwu, he spoke extensively on biometrics, and data security, and HID’s solutions to identified challenges in the sector.
HID Global and Its Place in IT security
HID Global enables our customers to create, manage and use secure identities around the world. Our products for the IT security industry range from strong authentication for logical access to transaction authentication via multiple methods including PKI, OTP and biometrics. Our physical security products protect access to datacentres, protected areas and server racks.
National Identity Number (NIN) Registration: Fingerprints & DNA Analytics
Fingerprint characteristics are not secrets. In fact we leave our fingerprints everywhere we go – on countertops, glasses at restaurants, even our phones.
One way to ensure that fingerprints are unusable by anyone but their legitimate owners is liveness detection — the real-time determination that the biometric characteristics presented are genuine and not fake.
The most effective liveness detection technology utilizes multispectral imaging which compares the complex optical characteristics of the material being presented against known characteristics of living skin. This ability of multispectral imaging to confirm that the finger is legitimate and alive allows organizations to use fingerprint authentication with confidence.
Of course, the best practice of combining an additional authentication factor with the fingerprint further secures the transaction as well as the individual’s identity.
Biometrics & Breach of Fingerprints ‘Passworded’ Smartphone
In biometrics, technologies and applications are not equivalent. There is a very large difference between the fingerprint technology that is used in a smartphone and commercial-grade fingerprint sensors that are used for identity verification at a bank.
Smartphone fingerprint sensors use very inexpensive components and do not provide advanced liveness detection capabilities to ensure that the data that is presented is a live fingerprint and not some fraudulent material.
Additionally, fingerprint enrolment on a smartphone generally takes place anonymously in a private setting, which means there may be no connection between the stored fingerprint template and the user’s real identity.
Commercial grade sensors use much more robust imaging. HID Global’s Lumidigm sensors use multispectral imaging which provides detailed information about the fingerprint image that is captured from multiple layers of skin.
This approach allows Lumidigm sensors to capture good fingerprint information regardless of the condition of the skin. Many of us have experienced the fact that a wet fingerprint does not function on a cell phone. The same is the case for dry, dirty or worn fingerprints. Lumidigm sensors are able to “see” through these issues to provide good fingerprint data every time.
How HID Global Devices ‘Liveness’ Detection Operates
With considerable effort, a criminal can conceivably “lift”a legitimate user’s fingerprint off of some surface such as a countertop and make what we in the industry call a ‘spoof’ — a fake finger — from materials such as latex or glue.
While this is fun to watch in movies, new commercial-grade biometric solutions have a technology known as liveness detection that uses several variables to instantly determine that the finger used to access the system is real — and still attached to a living human being.
HID Global’s multispectral imaging is a sophisticated technology specifically developed to overcome the fingerprint-capture problems that conventional imaging systems have in less-than-ideal conditions.
This more effective technology is based on the use of multiple spectrums of light and advanced polarization techniques to extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both the surface and subsurface of the skin.
Subsurface capability is important because the fingerprint ridges seen on the surface of the finger have their foundation beneath the surface of the skin, in the capillary beds and other sub-dermal structures.
Unlike surface fingerprint characteristics, which can be obscured during imaging by moisture, dirt or wear, the “inner fingerprint” lies undisturbed and unaltered beneath the surface.
When surface fingerprint information is combined with subsurface fingerprint information and reassembled in an intelligent and integrated manner a high quality fingerprint image is provided.
The sophisticated sub-surface capabilities of multispectral imaging are what make its liveness detection so effective.
The optical characteristics of living skin are very different from those of severed fingers or other non-human materials such as latex.
HID’s liveness detection is able to determine immediately if the fingerprint being presented to a sensor is real and legitimate.
How Fingerprint Images Should Be Stored, Particularly By the Security Agencies
The development of a back-end matching database for the process of identification is a long process that must take into account requirements such as transaction volume, accuracy and data security.
The matching system, typically called AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Information System,) stores biographic information for individuals and binds the biometric data to the record.
The biometric data can be in the form of a fingerprint image, but it is commonly a binary numerical template file that can either adhere to a standard or sit as a proprietary solution.
HID Biometrics utilises the standard ANSI 378 and ANSI 381 as our image quality is extremely high, allowing the technology to match better on a standard format rather than having a reliance on a proprietary one.
While access to a central database must always be kept secure from a breach, the consistent use of liveness detection renders stolen biometric data useless to criminals.
HID Biometrics offers a multifactor fingerprint reader that includes both a contactless card reader and a multispectral fingerprint sensor.
This new reader enables a use case whereby the biometric template can be stored on a card at enrolment and matched locally when a user presents his or her finger — no database query required!
The Best Approach to Recreating Them from Templates
Fingerprint images are nearly impossible to recreate from a template. A standard template is a binary code that contains information relating to the unique points of a person’s fingerprint image. HID Biometrics solutions do not recreate fingerprint images from templates.
Using Biometrics to Expedite Workflow, Authorise Electronic Prescriptions, and Curb Drug Diversion
Today, the most widespread use case for fingerprint biometrics in hospitals is to provide simple and secure access to electronic patient records and networks. When coupled with a single sign-on system, a fingerprint biometric provides a fast authentication method and an undeniable record of access.
Further, fingerprint biometric solutions are used to ensure efficient management of medical supplies and proper distribution of medications.
Controlling access to medication is crucial for patient safety, compliance with regulations regarding controlled substances, and inventory control.
With biometric authentication, only authorized users may gain access to the needed drugs and medications with a touch of a finger. Security is enhanced without compromising user convenience or workflow and an undeniable record of access is created which can curb drug diversion and abuse.
Using fingerprint sensors to authenticate an ePrescription is also gaining popularity for the simple reason that doctors need a fast way to authenticate using a two-factor approach – and biometrics offers the best solution available today. Access to and distribution of drugs can be properly tracked to avoid abuse and fraud.
Finance: ATM Integration, Security And Transaction-Based Authentication
A growing number of banks around the world are deploying biometric solutions as part of their next-generation ATM roll-outs.
As the world attempts to put an end to identity theft and to reduce waste, fraud and abuse, the banking sector is making a real commitment to biometric authentication and intelligent identity management.
Fingerprint biometrics is used at a number of ATMs across the world as a PIN replacement to improve access and authenticate transactions.
In some instances, traditional card plus PIN authentication has been replaced by a fingerprint and an account number, enabling true cardless transactions.
Fraud is commonly committed by the use of stolen PINs or cards. With the use of fingerprint biometrics, people can now keep their money safe and access their bank accounts with their fingers.
Biometrics does not discriminate by literacy, age, or ethnicity which has made this technology a good choice for financial inclusion programs.
Privacy and Data Interoperability
As stated above, fingerprints are not private. Thus, it is critical to ensure that the information provided during verification is presented from the same person that enrolled the information – hence the need for robust liveness detection.
Interoperability can be important for a biometric system. The use of a standard template that can be used across multiple systems allows for a single, ID-proofed biometric enrolment which can be leveraged at multiple points of verification.
The Potential to Pair Separate Credentials with User for One-To-One Match
The most effective method of identity verification uses some additional information in addition to a fingerprint to provide a one-to-one match, rather than requiring a back-end system to search through every record to provide a result within a given range of confidence of a match.
Something as simple as a name, an account number, a card number or a secondary credential stored on a card or phone can be paired with a fingerprint for a one-to-one match.
HID Global Mobile Student ID System Launch with WAEC In Nigeria
HID Global launched a mobile student ID system, in collaboration with Botosoft, to help the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) combat student identity fraud in Nigeria.
Every year, beginning in the spring, more than 2.2 million students will register online and receive machine-readable Genuine HID smart cards.
The use of handheld mobile readers eliminates identity fraud, and allows examiners to verify student attendance, and also enables them to manage challenges around examination rules violations in real-time.
The mobile reader application saves hundreds of hours of manual data entry and eliminates errors. The time saved allows the examiners to concentrate on the importance of the day as they can be confident that students are already authenticated for the exam in question.
IHS Nigeria has partnered with the Osun State Government on Osun Teacher-Shift 2025, a programme aimed at transforming technical and vocational school teachers into digital-ready educators capable of driving innovation in classrooms.
The IHS Nigeria sponsored initiative, implemented by Focus Teens Foundation in collaboration with the Osun State Board of Technical and Vocational Education, targets about 200 teachers across the State’s nine technical colleges. The training will run in batches over a two-day period, with participants expected to acquire modern skills, and innovative teaching techniques.
Speaking at the opening ceremony which held in Osogbo yesterday, Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, explained that the project was developed to prepare teachers for the opportunities and challenges of a fast-evolving world.
She said, “Today is not just the launch of a programme — it is the beginning of a movement. This is more than training, it is a mindset shift. It is about rethinking how we prepare teachers, students, and our communities for the opportunities and challenges of a fast-evolving world.”
Oguntuga emphasised that teachers remain at the centre of national development but face increasing demands to inspire creativity, nurture innovation, and equip young people with practical and technology-driven skills.
She noted that the initiative also reflects IHS Nigeria’s four sustainability pillars — ethics and governance, environment and climate change, people and communities, and education and economic growth.
The IHS official said, “education remains the strongest catalyst for national development. But we cannot achieve this without empowering the people who will empower the next generation. With this programme, teachers and beneficiaries from the nine technical colleges will begin to think more innovatively and incorporate new systems that support STEM for the advancement of our nation.”
Oguntuga added that each school would be given routers with one year subscription.
Adedapo Ademola-Adesina, Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, noted that the State Government believes in private sector collaboration to achieve its goals for technical and vocational education, leading to the partnership with IHS Nigeria.
“We must begin by changing the mindset of our teachers. They are the ones who shape future leaders. That is why we tagged the program “Osun Teacher-Shift 2025” — shifting from the old ways to new digital teaching”, he said.
Also speaking, Sunday Eluwole, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, acknowledged that the training was both timely and necessary, saying; “this is the 21st century, and Nigeria cannot be left behind. Our schools, teachers, and classrooms must be digitalised. Teachers must first be trained in digital methods before they can pass the knowledge on to students.”
Eluwole added that Osun State, which has the highest number of technical colleges in the Country, is committed to making its schools models of digital and vocational learning.
Earlier, Muritala Jimoh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said that Osun State teachers are ready to shift. Jimoh noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke is prioritising teachers’ welfare in the state, hence their readiness to embrace the shift.
He called on teachers to reciprocate government’s efforts by making their minds flexible to change.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all airlines operating in the country to ensure that passengers completely switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing.
Michael Achimugu, director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCCA, disclosed the directive in a post on X on Tuesday.
He said the measure was part of a harmonisation of existing rules on the use of electronic devices onboard.
“Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING,” Achimugu wrote.
“All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”
The directive means that all airlines will have to adjust their operational manuals and cabin crew instructions to enforce the policy.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the relevance of the rule in light of advances in aircraft technology and onboard connectivity.
Sonny Echono, executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has called on Nigerian tertiary institutions to urgently embrace technology in teaching, research, and administration, warning that billions of naira already invested in ICT infrastructure risk being wasted due to underutilization.
Echono made the call in Abuja, Nigeria while delivering remarks at a 2-Day Workshop on Blackboard/TERAS Adoption and Usage in Beneficiary Institutions, organized by TETFund for Registrars, Bursars, Directors of Academic Planning and ICT and Thesis Project Repository Managers of beneficiary institutions.
He lamented that despite TETFund’s early investment in digital learning platforms such as the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services, TERAS, many universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education were still lagging behind in ICT adoption.
According to him, Nigeria’s rapidly growing population and limited availability of classrooms make technology the only viable pathway to expanding access to quality education.
“We are no longer confined to the four walls of classrooms. With just an android phone or a device, students should be able to access content, participate in learning, and acquire skills. There is no alternative to technology if we must prepare our youths for the opportunities ahead,” Echono said.
He decried the slow pace of transition to digital platforms in many institutions, some of which still send hardcopy requests to TETFund despite clear directives for e-submissions.
The TETFund boss stressed that robust and regularly updated institutional websites should be a minimum requirement in the digital age, describing many schools’ online presence as “embarrassingly outdated.”
Echono also cited the successes recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown when TETFund partnered states, the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, and radio stations to broadcast WAEC syllabus-based lessons.
According to him, that year produced one of Nigeria’s best WAEC results, indicating the potential of technology to revolutionise learning.
He expressed concern that Nigeria now ranks 189th globally and 25th in Africa in education competitiveness, behind smaller countries like Rwanda and Mauritius that have leveraged ICT to transform their systems.
“Government has done its part by providing the infrastructure. But when equipment is procured and platforms created and they are not being used, that is the very definition of waste,” he warned.
The TETFund boss urged heads of institutions to champion the use of digital platforms like TERAS by lecturers and students, stressing that over time, more than half of TETFund’s education investments would have to go into ICT rather than physical infrastructure.
Echono also linked Nigeria’s underdevelopment to its failure to leverage technology in sectors such as oil, agriculture, and manufacturing, contrasting the country’s struggles with China’s rapid transformation through deliberate investment in knowledge and innovation.
“We can do the same if we decide to do the right thing. The right thing starts with our education system. The building block of every nation is knowledge,” he said.
He appealed to tertiary institutions to seize the opportunity, populate their websites with relevant data, and ensure students and staff are fully onboarded onto TERAS platform.
Earlier, Mr. Joseph Odo, director of ICT, TETFund, said interactive sessions at the workshop were designed to deepen understanding of the Fund’s digital platforms and improve collaboration among beneficiary institutions.
“This is part of our engagements with key stakeholders, registrars, librarians, ICT directors, repository managers, and academic planners, to ensure that everyone understands the interventions we are providing. The world is moving fast technology-wise, and we cannot afford to be left behind,” Odo said.
He explained that the sessions, which will hold across all six geopolitical zones, are focused on strengthening the use of TETFund-funded learning platforms, which aggregate data for planning and improve teaching, research, and learning outcomes.
Odo added that TERAS is evolving into “an educational lifestyle” that caters to students, lecturers, administrators, and even government planners.
NACCIMA, TETFund Forge Alliance to Boost Innovation, Skills, Economic Growth
IHS Nigeria, Osun State partner to transform technical education
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