A method of performing biometric authentication of a person's identity
including a biometric template prior to storing it in a biometric
database. The encryption algorithm encrypts the biometric template using a
pass-phrase, known only to the individual, to generate the cryptographic
key used to store and retrieve the biometric template. When an individual
wishes to access a secured resource, he must be authenticated by providing
an identifier which is used to retrieve the appropriate record. He must
also provide the correct password to allow the system to decrypt the
model.