Automatic and reliable identification of individuals for issuing official documents (e.g., passport and visa) and providing access to secure facilities (e.g., military base) and proprietary information (e.g., corporate websites) has become an essential part of our modern networked society. Biometric recognition systems utilize the physiological or behavioral characteristics of an individual for identification. By using biometrics, it is possible to establish an identity based on "who you are", rather than by "what you possess"
(e.g., an ID card) or "what you remember" (e.g., a password). The events of 9/11 have generated huge interest in the design, deployment and evaluation of biometric systems.