As more and more information about individuals becomes available on line, the need for robust and reliable means of verifying identity also increases. Arguably the technology that is receiving the most attention with respect to individual identity is biometrics - the use of physiological traits or characteristics of individuals as a basis for recognizing and confirming identity. Neural network based pattern recognition engines are used in fingerprint recognition, retinal scanning, voice prints, and even monitoring keystroke typing patterns or handwriting stroke patterns.

In addition to individual identification, ubiquitous internet connections require that organizations whose internal computer systems connect to the internet also be prepared to prevent malicious or unwanted intrusion into internal systems or public web sites. Neural networks are used to learn patterns of acceptable packet contents and arrival rates, and thus serve as a dynamic security firewall.