RC5 encryption using key derived from fingerprint image

This paper presents a method for encrypting user's data using RC5 algorithm with a secret key, which is embedded in a biometric fingerprint image using LSB based image steganography techniques and stored in the database. The key can be unpacked only by presenting a genuine fingerprint image. The fingerprint images are compared using an efficient fingerprint matching algorithm that involves a Phase Only Correlation (POC) function. This is a fully automated method of data encryption that incorporates biometrics authentication. The database itself is protected using a master key. This method ensures the prevention of key leakage and provides a more secure way for data encryption.