The Risk Factor

I get bombarded with press releases, most of which don't interest me much, but I did receive an interesting one concerning new PC log on software from XID Technologies. According to the release, “Face LogOn Xpress uses a simple web camera to ensure the identity of the user by providing biometric verification in an automatic, continuous process, based on XID’s award winning face recognition technology. The new software uses XID’s Face Recognition artificial intelligence technology and learns each time a user enrolls his or her face, enabling Face LogOn Xpress to develop high accuracy in varied conditions.”

“Targeted to computer users seeking to control access to their machines by verifying identity while logging on in a simple and convenient way, Face LogOn Xpress can be customized to allow users to control the application’s sensitivity levels. This control ensures accurate face recognition to address different lighting conditions. Additionally, Face LogOn Xpress compensates for extreme conditions such as complete darkness by allowing users to access the PC through the use of a default password instead of the camera.”

There is a video of its use here, and there is a free 30-day trial of the software available.

I like the idea of having my face be my password. I don’t think too many people look like me (although I have been told I have a passing semblance to Richard Dreyfuss) and I generally remember what I look like each day. My only concern is that I look a lot different after a couple cups of coffee in the morning.