Method and apparatus for securely transmitting and authenticating biometric data over a network

A system for collecting and transmitting biometric data over a network comprised of:

• a. at least one client system comprised of:
• a sensor for collecting biometric data, the sensor having a unique identifier;
• a token-generator coupled to the sensor, the token generator sending a token to the sensor;
• a digitizer coupled to the sensor, the digitizer converting the biometric data collected by the sensor into a digital file;
• a combiner coupled to the digital file and the sensor, the combiner creating a data package comprising the digital file, the unique identifier and the token;
• a code generator coupled to the data package, the code generator creating a signed data package;
• and
• an output interface coupled to the combiner, the interface outputting the signed data package to a network;
• b. at least one server containing a program for receiving, authenticating biometric data, computing the biometric template and performing a verification/recognition function based on the data received from the at least one client system;
• and
• c. a network connecting the at least one client system to the at least one server.

A method for collecting and transmitting biometric data over a network to a server comprising:

• receiving a token from an authentication server;
• acquiring biometric information from a sensor, the sensor having a unique identifier;
• converting the biometric information into a biometric digital file;
• combining the digital file, the token and the unique identifier into a data package;
• signing the data package;
• transmitting the signed data package over a network to a server;
• and
• authenticating the signed data package.