The Basics of Biometric Security
The threat of thieves gaining access to the inner workings of a business, such as computer systems and physical documents, has many companies turning to technology for new and improved ways of securing access control and protecting their assets from disaster. Biometric scanning may sound like the province of Sci-Fi megacorporations, but it has become an affordable and effective security measure that every business should consider.
WHAT ARE BIOMETRIC SCANNERS?
A biometric scanner takes the measurement of some portion of a person’s body and compares it to a digitally stored reading. If the match is exact, then the scanner reports a successful entry to the security device, similar to using a key card or password entry terminal. The two most common readings taken for biometric security are iris scans and fingerprint scans. Both are complex structures that are unique to each individual, and they are read quickly without invasive procedures that would be needed to do a DNA reading at every doorway.
HOW SECURE ARE BIOMETRIC SECURITY DEVICES?
Biometric scanners are not unbreakable security devices, but they are amongst one of the best features to include in a robust security system designed to eliminate any potential avenue of infiltration. Because the “keys” are linked to a physical object, it becomes much more difficult for the key to fall in the hands of an unintended user. The data images are encrypted to protect the lock, leaving it up to hackers to find the perfect match for a complex biological design.
There are, of course, methods of bypassing various biometric scanners without the real person on hand. For example, fingerprint scanners can be fooled by a quality 3-D printed mold of a user’s fingerprint. The threat of biometric hacking is similar to the threat of malicious users invading your computer systems. However, the requirement of a physical person on-site to attempt the hack means security staff can match the accessed account to the face in front of them – and a video will be on hand to turn over to the police later.
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS DO THEY HAVE?
Unlike a key card or a password, a biometric scan doesn’t require users to remember anything other than where they need to go and how to sign in. Once they’re there, they just swipe a finger or look into a camera. By limiting the number of ways in which someone can cause a problem, you’ll have fewer security issues overall.
HOW CAN I UPGRADE MY SECURITY WITH BIOMETRIC SCANNING?
With the aid of The Flying Locksmiths, installing biometric scanning into a new or existing security system is an easy and painless process. Give us a call or contact us here to receive more information on biometric scanning or to schedule an appointment. The sooner you upgrade, the sooner you can stop worrying about a missing key resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage to your company.