Biometric Authentication Techniques in Online Learning Environments

The deployment of online e-learning can lead to many security risks, such as confidentiality loss, exposure of critical data, availability and destruction of publicly available information services. Security and proper authentication is critical in any online learning environment because any flaws can affect perceptions of its trustworthiness. Biometric authentication is increasingly being used in the newer generation of online learning environments for authentication of remote learners. Biometrics scan unique physiological characteristics in humans to identify people. These include fingerprints, iris, retina, voice, face, gait, and odor. The authors look at the state of biometric authentication techniques applicable to online learning environments and provide a more in-depth examination of face- and iris-based authentication systems for proper identification of learners.