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Biometrics: Your Body and the Science of Security
Biometrics -- the science of using the body to identify a person -- is everywhere, not just in science fiction, but in everyday life. Today, biometrics is on the cutting edge of security. It's used for access into banks and airports, as well as to keep money and personal information safe. Methods like fingerprinting and retinal scanning might be more familiar, but biometrics can also identify people based on ear shape, scent, vein pattern, and much more.
This book explores nine biometrics in detail, explaining how each works, where it's used, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other techniques. It also discusses privacy, security, why we need methods of identification, and touches on biometrics of the future.
This book explores nine biometrics in detail, explaining how each works, where it's used, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other techniques. It also discusses privacy, security, why we need methods of identification, and touches on biometrics of the future.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2017
6 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 16, 2024
Great foundational book on the growing field of biometrics. This field will only become more emergent in the future; AI is linked very closely to biometric research being done right now. Future generations will have to decide how this powerful technology can be used correctly alongside the rights we all feel are inalienable.
November 19, 2017
This non-fiction informational text teaches readers about the ways our bodies and identities are connected. The author goes over a variety of biometrics and lists the pros and cons to each collection method. I chose to read this book because I am very interested in privacy and technological security. It is going to be more and more important for students to have a firm grasp on the ways their body is being used in regards to biometrics and how to best protect themselves. This book is suitable for students ages 9-13 (3rd-8th grade). In the reading classroom, this book would be excellent for teaching about text features and how to pull the most important information out of a detailed informational text.
June 29, 2017
An introduction to the types of biometrics currently out there, how they work with side charts informing how invasive they are to record, how secure they are, and potential drawbacks.
What a fascinating read! This was very well done in layout and language used. It breaks down the science and technology in easy to understand terms concisely. And it covers an array of common and not so common ways we can use physical traits and actions of our bodies to identify people. I had heard of some of these but definitely not all of them. Kids love spy stuff and much of this is the kind of equipment used in those spy stories (and also in everyday real life too…which the book does point out). This should be a huge hit with the middle grade crowd. And it would make a great filler read aloud for science classes that have just a little extra time. Definitely need to add a copy or two of this book to the library when it comes out.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a fascinating read! This was very well done in layout and language used. It breaks down the science and technology in easy to understand terms concisely. And it covers an array of common and not so common ways we can use physical traits and actions of our bodies to identify people. I had heard of some of these but definitely not all of them. Kids love spy stuff and much of this is the kind of equipment used in those spy stories (and also in everyday real life too…which the book does point out). This should be a huge hit with the middle grade crowd. And it would make a great filler read aloud for science classes that have just a little extra time. Definitely need to add a copy or two of this book to the library when it comes out.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2017
Biometrics is a great introduction to the idea for middle grade students. The book goes over all of the current and past biological identification systems used, from signatures, to fingerprints, to retinal scanning. It also goes into other potential new ways we could use an individual's biology to identify them such as smell or foot pressure. The descriptions are interesting and concise with great pictures and side notes. Kids will really enjoy this book.
August 30, 2017
This Fascinating introduction to biometrics impressed upon me the amazing diversity of research worldwide and demonstration of the value of "wild" theories and applied science.
Of most interest to 4th through 9th graders, this short book is approachable in design and content, with chunked, yet flowing information and catchy, humorous illustrations.
Recommend for public and school library collections.
Of most interest to 4th through 9th graders, this short book is approachable in design and content, with chunked, yet flowing information and catchy, humorous illustrations.
Recommend for public and school library collections.
November 12, 2017
Really cool book to give kids the basics of biometrics. Since we see this more and more everyday it is cool to teach kids how it works.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 3, 2017
My, What Unique Eyes You Have!
In BIOMETRICS, Maria Birmingham gives an overview of all the different ways to uniquely identify a person. I found the book to well-written, with all kinds of fun and wacky biometric possibilities. Although the book is aimed at children, I enjoyed reading the book, and I learned a lot about the field.
The author first gives an overview of the field: “Biometrics focuses on who you are. Since your body and its specific traits are a part of you, they can’t be misplaced or taken, and they’re extremely difficult to duplicate.” The point is, two different people will never have identical features: “Biometrics takes advantage of the fact that no two people are exactly alike.”
Of course, there are simple methods like signature recognition, or the classic fingerprints; but that’s not all. There are also some weird ones, like odor or vein recognition.”
The author briefly explains the possible downside of Biometrics—i.e., privacy. Opponents of biometrics “Worry about the fact that ID can be collected without a person’s knowledge.”
The author identifies some really far out biometric research. Just when you think you’ve heard about all the novel ways to identify a person, there’s yet another one. In Japan, “engineers are working on a car seat that identifies you by your bum. Yup, bum recognition!”
So all in all, I found BIOMETRICS to be a fun book. Well-designed and easy to read. I thought the illustrations by Ian Turner were especially fun. I confess I was laughing so hard at some of the illustrations that I had trouble focusing on the text. I’m pretty sure, however, that Ian did NOT include an illustration of the “bum recognition” method.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
See also Bassocantor.com/blog/biometrics
In BIOMETRICS, Maria Birmingham gives an overview of all the different ways to uniquely identify a person. I found the book to well-written, with all kinds of fun and wacky biometric possibilities. Although the book is aimed at children, I enjoyed reading the book, and I learned a lot about the field.
The author first gives an overview of the field: “Biometrics focuses on who you are. Since your body and its specific traits are a part of you, they can’t be misplaced or taken, and they’re extremely difficult to duplicate.” The point is, two different people will never have identical features: “Biometrics takes advantage of the fact that no two people are exactly alike.”
Of course, there are simple methods like signature recognition, or the classic fingerprints; but that’s not all. There are also some weird ones, like odor or vein recognition.”
The author briefly explains the possible downside of Biometrics—i.e., privacy. Opponents of biometrics “Worry about the fact that ID can be collected without a person’s knowledge.”
The author identifies some really far out biometric research. Just when you think you’ve heard about all the novel ways to identify a person, there’s yet another one. In Japan, “engineers are working on a car seat that identifies you by your bum. Yup, bum recognition!”
So all in all, I found BIOMETRICS to be a fun book. Well-designed and easy to read. I thought the illustrations by Ian Turner were especially fun. I confess I was laughing so hard at some of the illustrations that I had trouble focusing on the text. I’m pretty sure, however, that Ian did NOT include an illustration of the “bum recognition” method.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
See also Bassocantor.com/blog/biometrics
January 13, 2018
This is a reference and introduction book about Biometrics. This book can be used to introduce children about the subject. The book captures the children attentions with the illustration and real life examples.
January 26, 2018
Pretty dang cool. Knew about fingerprints and voice recognition, but never heard of vein recognition or possibly odor recognition. (Smell-a-vision, anyone?) Great book for curious minds, as well as for those who are concerned about privacy and security.
August 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it was full of facts and useful information and I did learn from it too! Entertaining and great as an introduction to Biometrics.
Want to Read
September 26, 2017Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 12, 2018
Interesting look at some of the biometrics used in identification.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews