Presentation Attack Detection (PAD)

Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) refers to the technology and techniques used to identify and prevent fraudulent attempts during biometric systems’ operation. Biometric systems use unique and reliable biological attributes, such as fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial appearances, to verify individuals’ identities. However, these systems are susceptible to various types of attacks, commonly known as presentation attacks or spoofing attacks, where impostors try to deceive the system by presenting fake or altered biometric samples.

The purpose of Presentation Attack Detection is to reliably differentiate between genuine biometric samples and presentation attacks. Various methods are employed to achieve this, including software algorithms, hardware mechanisms, or a combination of both. PAD methods may involve analyzing the temporal or physical characteristics of the biometric sample, examining the vitality or liveness of the presented sample, or using multi-modal biometrics to create a more robust defense against spoofing attacks. The ultimate goal of PAD is to ensure the integrity and security of biometric systems by providing a seamless and reliable way to detect and block presentation attacks, which helps maintain user privacy and prevent potential fraudulent activities.