Plenary Lecture

Security and Biometrics in Modern
Communications Networks

Prof. Stamatios Kartalopoulos
University of Oklahoma, USA
E-mail: kartalopoulos@ou.edu

Abstract: Recently there has been an augmented need to authenticate a person in order to grant authorized access to public buildings, homes, airports, cars, and so on. Current reliable authentication methods use biometric data, which range from a simple signature to eye iris or even to a person's DNA. Authentication is granted by matching previously obtained biometric data that are stored in a database with biometric data obtained at the authentication point. Therefore, a critical part in the authentication process is the communications network itself and the security mechanisms of the bio-database, which may be colocated or be remote. Imagine the various scenarios that can be developed if a malicious person gains access to the bio-database or to the communication network during the authentication process. Therefore, in addition to the sophistication of the biometrics methodology, information security and network security are of serious importance. This presentation highlights aspects of biometrics methods, modern intelligent networks, information security and possible vulnerabilities during the authentication process.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Stamatios V. Kartalopoulos, PhD, is currently the Williams Professor in Telecommunications Networking at the University of Oklahoma. His research emphasis is on optical communication networks (FSO, long haul and FTTH), optical technology including optical metamaterials, and optical communications security including quantum cryptography and key distribution. Prior to this, he was with Bell Laboratories where he defined, led and managed research and development teams in the areas of DWDM networks, SONET/SDH and ATM, Cross-connects, Switching, Transmission and Access systems. He has received the President’s Award and many awards of Excellence.
He holds nineteen patents in communications networks, and he has published more than hundred scientific papers, seven reference textbooks important in advanced fiber optic communications, and has also contributed chapters to other books.
He has been an IEEE and a Lucent Technologies Distinguished Lecturer and has lectured at international Universities, at NASA and conferences,. He has been keynote speaker of major international conferences, has moderated executive forums, has been a panelist of interdisciplinary panels, and has organized symposia, workshops and sessions at major international communications conferences.
Dr Kartalopoulos is an IEEE Fellow, chair and founder of the IEEE ComSoc Communications & Information Security Technical Committee, member at large of IEEE New Technologies Directions Committee, and he has served as editor-in-chief of IEEE Press, chair of ComSoc Emerging Technologies and of SPCE Technical Committees, Area-editor of IEEE Communications Magazine/Optical Communications, member of IEEE PSPB, and VP of IEEE Computational Intelligence Society.