IBM is developing software that could enable IT
directors to deploy biometric user authentication systems based on
voice recognition technology.
IBM has been researching a technique known as "conversational
biometrics", which it demonstrated at last week's SpeechTek
conference in New York. It said the approach provided a
non-intrusive and highly accurate mechanism for determining and
authenticating user identities based on analysis of their
voice.
Unlike other biometrics, voice contains multiple sources of
information that can be acquired using existing technology and used
for recognising and verifying user identities, the IBM research
team said.
The acoustics of a user's voice can be analysed without the need
to recognise spoken words, said IBM. In addition, because voice is
a medium for conveying user knowledge, it is possible to perform
two levels of checks: a voiceprint match and a user knowledge match
(ie password).
Unlike other biometrics, such as fingerprints, which require
specialised sensors, IBM said conversational biometrics require no
additional client hardware, only a suitable microphone, such as a
PC mike, telephone or mobile phone.
One example where this type of authentication could be deployed
is in a mobile device for wireless banking applications.
In a presentation to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit earlier
this year, IBM director of UK government business Rebecca George
and Peter Waggett, who runs the emerging technology programme at
IBM's Hursley Laboratory near Winchester, discussed the development
of server technology for conversational biometrics that could be
integrated into a telephony system.
"[Conversational biometrics] can be used wherever security is a
concern, and whenever user verification needs to be performed," the
strategy unit was told.
However, George and Waggett noted that the technology was
untested and it would take time to develop into a commercial
product.
Vote for your IT greats
Who have been the most influential people in IT in the past 40
years? The greatest organisations? The best hardware and software
technologies? As part of Computer Weekly’s 40th anniversary
celebrations, we are asking our readers who and what has really
made a difference?
Vote now at:
www.computerweekly.com/ITgreats