Facial recognition by cavemen

In computer technology, facial recognition is about using computer application to identify or verify a person. This is done by comparing facial image with the faceprint of the individual in question.

It's like comparing a photo to a reference photo. Instead of making intelligent judgement like human, computer uses measurements. It measures the distance between eyes, the size of nose, the shape of cheekbone and etc. The problem with such measurements can come from various factors such as the angle of facial image, the quality of photo, facial expression, lighting and others.

Facial recognition works to a certain degree of accuracy only in controlled circumstances. That means if good quality facial image can be captured without too much variations in parameters like illumination and facial expression.

The fantastic tales from TV shows about automated recognition system picking up individual in random crowd does not translate as well in the real world. Even with today's high resolution cameras, such system are nowhere near that. Several deployments carried out in the US had ended in complete failure. As for now, their portrayed power is only as real as the Superman.


Facial recognition in action

To get a real feel of facial recognition in action; Facebook, Google Picasa, Apple iPhoto and Windows Live Photo Gallery have such capability. Try them out using your own photos with different facial expressions, hairstyles and lighting conditions.

It won't take you long to realize their reliability, rather unreliability. High resolution photos help but they won't solve all the problems.


Facial recognition circus

The recent circus hoo-ha in Malaysia;

Defence Lawyer: US Experts 99.99% Sure It's Anwar

Here is a clip of the sex video

It's baffling that experts can make 99.99% certainty claim in facial recognition using such a poor-quality black and white video. This is more than exaggeration. The named, so-called experts have very serious technical explanation to do if their reputation is worth some salt.


This farce is like cavemen talking about the mystical washing machine.

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Regain control of returned computer

When something looks stupid, it could be just plain stupidity or there might be hidden agenda. For example, if some mad people take away your modem and monitor along with your CPU on the pretext of police investigation, it is not likely they use them as dumbbells.

When the equipments are eventually returned, do not connect them to the existing network right away. They should be treated with suspicion until properly checked and dealt with.

You can use the followings as general guidelines.


For monitor, do the followings;

1. check for sign of casing being opened
2. visually inspect it for suspicious looking object such as listening device

For modem, do the followings;

1. update its firmware

NOTE:
- to update firmware, follow the instruction provided by the manufacturer


For router, do the followings (router could be built into the modem box);

1. update its firmware (for standalone router)
2. revert its settings to the manufacturer defaults
3. implement security for Wi-Fi access
   
4. use different password for Wi-Fi access (password different from the previous setting)

NOTE:
- sometimes router and modem are built as a single-box device. Basically, if your 'modem' can connect to multiple computers or have Wi-Fi feature, it's a modem+router box


For CPU/laptop, it's highly recommended that you reinstall the system;

1. visually inspect the hardware for suspicious looking device
2. update the motherboard's firmware
3. reinstall the operating system

However, if you are unable to reinstall your CPU/laptop, at least do the followings;

1. visually inspect the hardware for suspicious looking device
2. scan for planted spyware using proven software
3. check the firewall settings for suspicious setting (complete reset is recommended)
4. update the motherboard's firmware

NOTE:

• Only download firmware from the device manufacturer's site or reliable sources
  
• Firmware is a small program residing in the ROM (read-only memory) of electronic devices. It's used to control the internal working of the device.
• Firmware update is also known as "flashing the ROM"

IMPORTANT:
Make sure you use the correct firmware for each device. Firmware is specific to each make and model of the device. Different versions of the same model could also be using different firmwares.