Accuracy evaluation of handwritten signature verification: Rethinking the random-skilled forgeries dichotomy

Abstract

Traditionally, the accuracy of signature verification systems has been evaluated following a protocol that considers two independent impostor scenarios: random forgeries and skilled forgeries. Although such an approach is not necessarily incorrect, it can lead to a misinterpretation of the results of the assessment process. Furthermore, such a full separation between both types of impostors may be unrealistic in many operational real-world applications. The current article discusses the soundness of the random-skilled impostor dichotomy and proposes complementary approaches to report the accuracy of signature verification systems, discussing their advantages and limitations.