Abstract: A method of storing data allowing a seed value for generating an encryption key to be retrieved is provided. The method comprises obtaining, for each of a plurality of biological data sources, a respective set of biometric data from an authorised user. A respective biometric identifier is generated from each set of biometric data. The biometric identifiers are stored in a database. A plurality of seed portions are generated that are combinable using a function to generate the seed value. Each seed portion is stored in the database in association with a biometric identifier.

Abstract: A biometric matching apparatus comprising, an output, an input for acquiring items of biometric data, a memory and a processor, the memory comprises, a template database in which is stored a plurality of templates of items of biometric data, each template comprising a template identifier, and a sequence database in which is stored a plurality of sequences, each sequence comprising data that corresponds to template identifiers in a stored sequence order, and comprising further data or a sequence identifier for relating to further data, wherein the apparatus comprises a matching mechanism which is configured to match, after a user has entered a series of items of biometric data into the input, each inputted item against templates in the template database by comparing each item with templates and by selecting a number of templates which satisfy predetermined matching criteria based on the inputted item, and creating a list of selected templates for each inputted item, the matching mechanism is configured to stor