Abstract

The most common personal authentication techniques used for identity management employ a secret PIN or password that must be remembered. The challenge, for a given user, is that a multitude of such codes must be recalled over the course of the day for transactions involving distinct computer applications. Password mania prevails. Fingerprint biometric technology is an ideal alternate solution to this password recall problem. In spite of their availability for nearly thirty years, fingerprint biometric systems still remain uncommon in public sectors of industry such as education, government, and technology. Technology has improved sufficiently that false acceptance and rejection rates are no longer valid excuses. Two proposed reasons for this lack of deployment are 1) society's misunderstanding regarding the personal privacy, security, and function of the technology; and 2) inadequate education regarding the technology. This present research was structured to test these hypotheses, and attempt to identify the major societal factors that have limited fingerprint biometric eployment in IT authentication systems. Three research approaches regarding acceptance of fingerprint biometric technology by targeted populations were used in this study, namely 1) a personal survey, 2) a personal training exercise, and 3) a web-based survey. Targeted populations included the general public in the State of Utah and its legislative members who made decisions regarding identity management legislation for state departmental functions. Objectives of this research included gaining a better understanding of 1) legislator's perceptions of why past legislation was rejected, and 2) the public's perception of the personal security of the technology. An additional objective was the confirmation that proper education on security issues improves personal confidence in and acceptance of fingerprint biometric technology.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Technology

Rights

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