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Cash-dispensing systems often use two identification numbers: one is recorded on a magnetic strip on the identification card, and the other is given to the card holder. When the user inserts his card into the cash-dispensing terminal, or the automatic money machine, he keys in the identification number he has been given. The computer checks to see that the number recorded on the card and the one keyed in by the user both refer to the same person. Someone who stole the card would not know what number had to be keyed in order to use it. This method currently is the one most widely used for identifying computer users.
For a long time, fingerprints have provided a method of positive identification. But they suffer from two problems, one technical and one psychological. The technical problem is that there is no simple system for comparing fingerprints electronically. Also, most methods of taking fingerprints are messy. The psychological problem is that fingerprints are strongly associated in the public mind with police procedures. Because most people associate being fingerprinted with being arrested, they almost surely would resist being fingerprinted for routine identification.
Voiceprints may be more promising. With these, the user has only to speak a few words into a microphone for the computer to analyse his voice. There are no psychological problems here. And technically it is easier to take and analyse voiceprints than fingerprints. Also, for remote computer users, the identifying words could be transmitted over the telephone. However, voiceprints still require more research. It has yet to be proved that the computer cannot be fooled by mimics. Also, technical difficulties arise when the voice is subjected to the noise and distortion of a telephone line.
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