Verified access to the IT systems is part of any standard security protocol to ensure that only authorized persons have access to the system. It prevents hackers and cyber criminals from breaching the network for unethical activities. A security breach is too costly because it exposes the company, stakeholders, and customers to high risks. It can severely damage the business’ reputation and even result in legal violations that attract high fines. Companies use biometric access control like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to prevent unauthorized IT systems and network access. The fingerprint scanning technology can authenticate a person’s identity by analyzing different types of fingerprints.
Different organizations and businesses like banks, schools, hospitals, big corporations, and small businesses are using fingerprint recognition to ensure the safety of their premises and systems. Fingerprint recognition is the most widely used Biometric identification system as it is practical and affordable.
What are the Different Types of Fingerprints?
Fingerprints are patterns created by the ridges on the fingertips that are unique to each individual. The scanners of the fingerprint identification system generate an image of the pattern created by the finger’s ridges. Comparing the image with the registered fingerprints in the company’s database with the help of the biometric system’s software helps to verify the person’s identity for granting access. Although each fingerprint is unique, eight types of fingerprints have broad identification features. Each type of fingerprint has some typical pattern that creates an identity and differentiates it from other fingerprint types.
The broad categories of fingerprints consist of three types – Loop fingerprints, Whorl Fingerprints, and Arch fingerprints, with each category having some sub-sets. Loop Fingerprints and Whorl fingerprints have three sub-sets each, while there are two sub-sets of the Arch fingerprints.
Loop Fingerprints
Almost 60 -70% of people have loop fingerprints with an oval-shaped or circular pattern. The ridges re-curve to form loops. Radial loops, Ulnar loops, and Double loops are the fingerprint pattern types in the category. The Radial and Ulnar Loops derive their names from the radius bone and Ulna bone, respectively.
Whorl Fingerprints
Almost 30% of people have Whorl fingerprints with a spiral pattern dominating the formation of the whorls. Under this category, there are three subcategories – Plain Whorl consists of a concentric circle and two deltas. Central Pocket Loop Whorl consists of a whorl at the end of the loop of circular, oval, or spiral shape and Accidental Whorls have loops of irregular shape.
Arch Fingerprints
Only 10% of people have Arch fingerprints, so it is not so common. However, it’s not the rarest type of fingerprint either. The fingerprint has a wave-like pattern, and its sub-set includes the Plain Arch, in which the pattern moves upwards from the starting point, and the Tented Arch, in which the arch is at the center of the ridges but not continuous.
The Biometric identification systems can precisely capture the images of the patterns for matching with the image of the fingerprints stored in the system’s database to confirm the identity of the person and allows access to the system.
