The A to Z of biometrics

Voice verification

Voice recognition systems measure the unique way that each individual speaks.

The list from A to Z

Click on the links below to find out more on each of the entries in the list.

A is for Accuracy
B is for Behavioural biometric
C is for Cash machine
D is for Database
E is for Ear
F is for Facial recognition
G is for Gummi bears
H is for Hand geometry
I is for Iris
J is for Juan Vucetich
K is for Keystroke dynamics
L is for Liveness testing
M is for Mobile phones
N is for Network security
O is for Oxford
P is for Palm
Q is for Queues
R is for Registration
S is for Signature verification
T is for Twins
U is for Universality
V is for Voice verification
W is for Walk
X is for X-ray
Y is for Young
Z is for Zurich Airport

One of the major benefits of using this technology is that there is no need to add new hardware - users simply speak into their phones and the recognition is dealt with at the other end or in the network by software. Earlier this year, for example, Banco Santander said it will use a voice verification system to allow staff to reset passwords.

But bad phone lines and background noise can make it hard for a system to verify an identity. With some systems there is also the danger that recorded voices can be used to trick the software - although this can be avoided by asking the person to repeat a random phrase.