A method of performing biometric authentication of a person's identity including a biometric template prior to storing it in a biometric database. The encryption algorithm encrypts the biometric template using a pass-phrase, known only to the individual, to generate the cryptographic key used to store and retrieve the biometric template. When an individual wishes to access a secured resource, he must be authenticated by providing an identifier which is used to retrieve the appropriate record. He must also provide the correct password to allow the system to decrypt the model.