Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a class of biometric-based authentication methods and devices that can be utilized to control access to any electronic device or electronically-controlled device. Certain embodiments include a touch sensitive device including a transparent input device (e.g., a touchscreen) or opaque input device (e.g., a touchpad). Some examples of electronic devices include cellular phones, smart phones, laptop computers, tablet computers, gaming consoles, and the like. Some examples of electronically-controlled devices include computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines, vehicles, and the like.