What type of biometric authenticator is palm scanning classified as?

Palm scanning is classified as a Type 3 authenticator. This classification falls under the category of physiological biometric authenticators, which are based on unique physical characteristics of an individual. Type 3 authenticators specifically include biometrics that evaluate innate biological traits, such as fingerprints, iris patterns, or palm scans.

The rationale behind this categorization lies in the nature of palm scanning itself. It examines specific features of the palm, such as the ridge patterns and the shape of the hand, which are unique to each individual. This makes palm scanning a reliable method for ensuring that the person trying to gain access is indeed who they claim to be.

Type 1 authenticators refer to something you know (e.g., passwords), while Type 2 authenticators involve something you have (e.g., security tokens). Type 4 authenticators typically pertain to assignments based on the individual's location or activity, which do not pertain to biometric data. Thus, palm scanning aligns clearly with the distinct characteristics defined in Type 3 authenticators.