Abstract: A method for creating a virtual machine image, includes: storing a first image manifest for a first virtual machine image, the first image manifest including a mapping from file names of the first virtual machine image to content descriptors; storing a second image manifest for a second virtual machine image, the second image manifest including a mapping from file names of the second virtual machine image to content descriptors; creating a first overlay mapping by: placing a file name and its content descriptor both from the second image manifest in the first overlay mapping; and placing a file name and its content descriptor both from the first image manifest in the first overlay mapping if the file name and its content descriptor are not mapped in the second image manifest; and constructing a third virtual machine image having an image manifest whose mapping is the first overlay mapping.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing increased security when storing biometric information and personal information in a biometric access system. A personal information number or personal search code that is known only to the individual and not stored by the biometric access system may be used to generate encryption keys, bin numbers and addresses in the biometric access system that make it difficult to access biometric information or relate biometric information to personal information that may be stored in a segregated database.