A systematic review of iris biometrics in forensic science: applications and challenges

BackgroundIn today's digital era, traditional security methods like passwords and logins have become increasingly vulnerable to hacking and inefficiency. As a more secure alternative, iris biometrics, often referred to as a "living password," offer enhanced security due to the iris's unique and complex patterns. This review explores the challenges and advancements in iris biometric technology, focusing on its application in postmortem identification.Main bodyUsing a Boolean search methodology, relevant studies were identified from databases such as Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Out of 281 articles retrieved, only 17 met the inclusion criteria for this review. The selected studies cover critical topics, including iris de-identification, postmortem iris recognition, the impact of ocular diseases on iris biometrics, and the decomposition of the iris after death. The review also highlights significant advancements in iris recognition algorithms and imaging technologies, particularly the use of near-infrared (NIR) imaging, which has proven effective in identifying cadaver eyes. Despite these advancements, challenges such as iris spoofing and the effects of disease and decomposition on iris identification remain key concerns.ConclusionThe findings emphasize the need to integrate advanced biometric techniques into forensic science to protect biometric evidence and ensure secure identification in both digital and forensic applications. This review highlights the importance of ongoing innovation in biometric technologies to address the evolving challenges posed by digital security and forensic integrity.