Deloitte has formed a specialist biometric technology security team to provide independent advisory and assurance services to the increasing number of organisations implementing biometric security systems. 

Biometric technology uses unique physical traits such as fingerprint, iris, face and voice pattern recognition for security purposes and is a rapidly growing market expected to reach $2.05 billion by 2006*.

Deloitte’s lead security risk partner, Simon Owen, said: “Biometric technology is no longer the realm of science fiction movies.  There is a huge market demand for greater security in identification methods and the accuracy of biometric technology continues to improve as prices come down.  We expect increasing numbers of public and private organisations to implement security measures involving recognition of physical traits to tackle identity related crime.”

Dramatic reduction in the cost of biometric security measures is leading to strong growth in border control and aviation markets.  The US continues to apply pressure on European nations and other close allies to have biometric data incorporated in the passports of visitors as soon as possible.  Countries including Hong Kong and Malaysia already use electronic identity cards incorporating biometric data.  Growth in biometric use is also expected to be strong in financial services and the public sector.

The new Deloitte team will provide independent analysis and advice on biometric system selection, design, implementation, maintenance and risk mitigation.  They will also offer training for biometric systems operators and security auditing.

Although growth in biometric security measures is expected to be rapid and widespread, Bori Toth head of biometric service at Deloitte, warns that as a relatively new industry, it is not without risks.  She said: “Implementing biometric systems is still entering relatively unchartered waters as there are no industry wide standards.  Making changes to security systems is inherently risky, but identity theft in the UK becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK taking place every four minutes at a cost £1.3 billion a year and it is becoming increasingly urgent issue for a large number of organisations.”  

For further information on the new advisory service visit www.deloitte.co.uk/biometrics 

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* Market research group Frost & Sullivan

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the UK's fastest growing major business advisory firm based in 21 UK locations, with over 10,000 staff nationwide and fee income of £1,246 million in 2003/2004. It is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.