The National Biometric Security Project in West Virginia is doing its part to help keep businesses and personal identification safe.

The Morgantown branch is working with government agencies and private businesses to find effective ways to use biometrics as additional security.

Biometrics is the method of recognizing individuals by specific traits that are unique to one person. Fingerprint, palm print and face reading devices as well as iris readers are used much like a security code to grant individuals access to places and information.

West Virginia is one of the leading states in developing and using biometrics as extra means of security.

The NBSP is currently working with the state to develop Citizen Benefit Cards. The cards would replace driver's licenses and would be biometricly enabled to carry other personal information including medical information.