Processing biometric information for smart cards using a dedicated hash function

Smart cards are portable devices that can securely store small amounts of sensitive data, particularly biometric information for personal identification. However, the volume of needed information is generally larger than the memory of a standard smart card. A cryptographic hash function can convert a long string of data into a fixed-length string, usually 128 bits, while protecting integrity of the original data Integrating encrypted biometric information into smart cards not only solves the limited-capacity problem, but also strengthens security, since the smart card becomes a two-factor authentication device. The focus of this research was on preparing and testing the feasibility of biometric data for a smart card using a hash function. In the project, the hash function, message digest (MD5), was used to convert the biometric information into a fixed-length string called digest MD5 was tested for non-collision and portability on two platforms, Windows and Linux, to verify the reliability of its outpue. The results of this study will be of particular benefit to any organization that demands a high level of identification security.