Biometric Identification: How DNA Provides Best-in-Class Security

Whether it’s airport security checks or facial recognition on smartphones, biometric identification solutions are an integral part of our everyday lives, and the next generation is ready and waiting. DNA-based processes not only enable the accurate identification of citizens, but also raise data protection to a new level.

While the term ‘DNA identification’ is usually associated with forensic investigations, the identification of disaster victims or for genetic relationship analysis, the next generation of solutions is providing a new range of capabilities for the public services sector.

Accurate personal identification allows citizens to gain access to government services, mobility and education. However, the reality in politically unstable countries is that not everyone has a legal identity that can be proven by a birth certificate or passport.

What everyone does have, though, is unique DNA, which can provide conclusive identification in uncertain situations. The latest technologies in DNA identification have the capacity to create significant advances in this field.

Rapid DNA technologies on the rise

Although the DNA-based method of personal identification has been successfully used in forensics since the 1980s, highly automated technologies have only been available for a few years.

Today, certified ‘rapid DNA technology’ solutions, using mobile devices and fully automated processes, make it possible to generate DNA profiles (known as DNA IDs) from human DNA samples. This can be done anywhere, in the shortest possible time, and without the need for technical and scientific knowledge.

Once created, a DNA ID offers a number of advantages over conventional biometric ID, such as fingerprinting or iris recognition. For example, it guarantees lifelong immutability and rules out manipulation. This is because the biometric information pertaining to the identity of an individual is locked and protected directly in the nucleus of their cells.

In terms of data protection, a DNA ID achieves an unrivalled level of anonymity. The corresponding information stored in a forensic or civil database is purely numeric. It does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about ethnic origin, personal health or appearance, but is nonetheless unique. Just one unique sequence of numbers is recorded for each person, and this sequence contains less personal data than a passport photo, for example.

While fingerprints, irises or facial shapes change over the course of a person’s life, or can be manipulated by surgical intervention, an unchangeable DNA ID is now the safest and most reliable method of biometric identification.

A simple application in practice

As outlined above, rapid DNA ID generation has become simpler than ever with new automated technological processes. It can be carried out directly on-site using mobile solutions, at official locations or in more remote regions. A laboratory is no longer necessary. All that is needed are the necessary DNA samples and the right device.

The current processing time is less than two hours, which is a record in this field. Once created, DNA IDs can be enrolled and securely stored in government- controlled databases, which cannot be accessed by external parties.

Because of its minimal data size – 200 bits – each DNA ID is easily stored in conventional chips used in smart biometric identification documents, such as passports.

Rapid DNA samples offer numerous civilian applications. Apart from their use in secure border crossing processes, the technology can protect elections, clarify relationships between people, or prevent identity theft through their use in the registration of newborn babies.

But, although DNA-based identification allows secure and unique verification of individuals, it is not a ‘stand-alone’ solution. It is an additional tool that, in combination with other biometric identification methods, provides fully reliable information on an ad-hoc basis.

Acceptance through education and transparency

Nevertheless, the popular association of DNA collection with criminal applications means there are still reservations about the technology, despite DNA identification working much more anonymously and accurately than other biometric methods.

Let’s not forget, though, that other biometric technologies, such as fingerprint matching and iris scanning, also met with scepticism, over a long period of time, before the public eventually warmed up to them. Today, people are used to unlocking their smartphones with biometric data and have complete trust in the security that comes with this.

It is, therefore, fair to assume that as the benefits of DNA ID become known, there will be much greater public acceptance for using this technology for personal identification.

The future of ID technology

Alongside established biometric processes such as fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition, DNA ID heralds the next big step in the identification and verification of people. The quick and reliable results that rapid DNA technologies provide will increase their acceptance, and we can expect to see the technology find its way into further areas of life, where citizens and governments alike will benefit from the advantages of rapid and reliable DNA- based personal identification.