depository

A depository is a secure place where sensitive data records are stored. Such a depository can be a vault or a steel chamber, for example.

The security of a depository can be ensured by ensuring that only authorized persons have access to the depository. Generally, data in the repository is stored on a wide variety of media and storage devices. This can be done on prints or on magnetic tapes, compact discs or hard disks.

In biometric security systems, the repository contains the biometric data of individuals. For example, the fingerprint or an impression of the iris or retina. In addition, repositories can contain characteristic facial features, voice samples or handprints. During personal identification, the currently taken biometric samples are compared with the data stored in the repositories.