What does the False Acceptance Rate (FAR) indicate in biometric systems?

The False Acceptance Rate (FAR) is a crucial metric in biometric systems that quantifies how often the system mistakenly grants access to an unauthorized user. It specifically measures the scenario where an invalid individual is incorrectly accepted as a valid one, which can lead to security breaches. A higher FAR indicates a greater likelihood of a security risk, meaning that the system is less reliable in distinguishing between legitimate users and impostors.

In the context of biometric systems, understanding the FAR helps organizations assess the effectiveness and reliability of their authentication measures. It allows them to balance security with usability, ensuring that while valid users are granted access, the risk of intruders being falsely granted access is minimized.

FAR is distinctly different from measures like the False Rejection Rate (FRR), which assesses how often valid individuals are denied access. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the significant security implications associated with the FAR in biometric authentication processes.