# boltgolt/howdy

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7,356 stars · 362 forks · Python · mit

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/boltgolt/howdy
- awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/boltgolt-howdy.md

## Topics

`arch-linux` `camera` `debian` `face-recognition` `fedora` `ir-camera` `linux` `opensuse` `pam` `pam-module` `ubuntu`

## Description

Howdy is a biometric authentication system for Linux that uses infrared cameras to provide passwordless login and privileged access. It functions as a Pluggable Authentication Module to integrate facial recognition into the standard Linux authentication pipeline.

The system relies on near-infrared camera feeds and facial models to verify identity, ignoring visible light interference. Biometric data is stored as encrypted mathematical templates on the local disk to ensure that facial models are not transmitted over a network.

The project includes tools for face model management, infrared camera configuration, and hardware diagnostics. It covers system-level adjustments such as video device path mapping, frame resolution tuning, and the management of laptop lid-close behaviors during wake events.

## Tags

### Artificial Intelligence & ML

- [Facial Recognition](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/artificial-intelligence-ml/facial-recognition.md) — Provides a complete system for identifying and verifying individuals using infrared facial recognition. ([source](https://github.com/boltgolt/howdy#readme))
- [Linux Authentication](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/artificial-intelligence-ml/agentic-systems-frameworks/agent-orchestration-multi-agent/security-and-auth/authentication-strategies/identity-providers/ldap-authentication/linux-authentication.md) — Integrates facial recognition into the standard Linux authentication pipeline for secure system access.

### Operating Systems & Systems Programming

- [PAM Modules](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/pam-modules.md) — Hooks into the Pluggable Authentication Modules system to intercept and satisfy login requests for Linux environments.

### Security & Cryptography

- [Biometric Authentication](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/biometric-authentication.md) — Implements a system for verifying user identity through facial characteristics for passwordless login.
- [PAM Biometric Integration](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/biometric-authentication/pam-biometric-integration.md) — Integrates facial recognition into the standard Linux authentication pipeline via a Pluggable Authentication Module.
- [Biometric Face Verification](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/biometric-face-verification.md) — Compares live camera frames against stored biometric mathematical templates to verify user identity.
- [Biometric Authentication](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/identity-access-management/authentication-strategies/user-facing-login-methods/biometric-authentication.md) — Implements a biometric authentication system using infrared cameras for passwordless Linux login and sudo access.
- [Infrared Biometric Recognition](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/infrared-biometric-recognition.md) — Uses near-infrared camera feeds and facial models to verify identity while ignoring visible light interference.
- [Local Biometric Storage](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/biometric-authentication/local-biometric-storage.md) — Stores encrypted facial models on the local disk to avoid sending biometric data over a network.
- [Template Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/biometric-face-verification/template-management.md) — Provides a management system for adding, removing, and listing biometric face templates to control recognized users. ([source](https://github.com/boltgolt/howdy/tree/dev))

### Graphics & Multimedia

- [Specialized Camera Interfacing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/hardware-media-device-management/specialized-camera-interfacing.md) — Provides a configuration interface for managing specialized infrared camera device paths and frame resolutions. ([source](https://github.com/boltgolt/howdy/wiki/Common-issues))

### Hardware & IoT

- [Biometric Model Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/infrared-proximity-sensors/biometric-model-management.md) — Provides a tool for capturing, storing, and managing infrared facial models to verify user identity.
- [Infrared Device Interfacing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/infrared-proximity-sensors/infrared-device-interfacing.md) — Provides a configuration utility for mapping infrared hardware devices and adjusting resolution for biometric scanning.

### Testing & Quality Assurance

- [Hardware Input Validation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/testing-quality-assurance/hardware-input-validation.md) — Captures snapshots and validates recognition methods to ensure infrared hardware is functioning correctly. ([source](https://github.com/boltgolt/howdy/blob/master/README.md))

### User Interface & Experience

- [Infrared Camera Setup](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/camera-configuration/infrared-camera-setup.md) — Provides tools for setting up and testing infrared camera hardware to ensure compatible video input.