A method and apparatus for electro-biometric identity recognition or verification that produces and stores a first biometric signature that identifies a specific individual by forming the difference between a representation of the heartbeat pattern of the specific individual and a stored representation of common features of the heartbeat patterns of a plurality of individuals; after the producing step, the method and apparatus obtains a representation of the heartbeat pattern of a selected individual and produces a second biometric signature by forming the difference between the heartbeat pattern of the selected individual and the stored representation of common features of the heartbeat patterns of the plurality of individuals; it then compares the second biometric signature with the first biometric signature to determine whether the selected individual is the specific individual. The apparatus and method may be employed as a stand-alone unit or as part of another device pursuant to the many applications described herein.