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Biometric Locks & Security Systems
Biometric security systems identify individuals
based on automated analysis of human physical
characteristics. They can be used to limit
access to buildings, computer systems, or
even vehicles. While metal keys, key cards,
passwords, and PINs can be given away or
stolen, biometric security verifies that
whoever seeks entry actually is authorized.
It is equivalent to posting an automated
guard who knows every authorized individual
well and who cannot be fooled by impostors.
Biometrics can include fingerprints,
shape
of the hand, facial features,
peculiarities
of the eyes, voice, and/or handwriting.
They
can be used singly or in combinations.
The
system must maintain a database
of approved
individuals and their relevant
physical characteristics.
Each point at which access is
controlled
must have appropriate scanning
devices.
If you are considering a biometric security
system for your home or business, remember
that they are not perfect. Be sure you understand
the probability that an authorized person
may be locked out by mistake, and what you
can do in that situation. You also should
know the likelihood of the opposite, that
the system may erroneously admit someone
who does not have clearance. To help in the
second instance, you may want to combine
biometrics with a traditional locking system.
Beyond the cost of initial setup, be mindful
of ongoing maintenance. Learn your fallback
options should the system go down, either
because of malfunction or power outage. While
having an alternative entry plan, think again
if you introduce so many possible overrides
that the system is too easily circumvented.
Pay close attention to security
issues related
to the database of biometric
data. You must
be sure that it is invulnerable
to hackers
who may seek to steal or alter
its contents.
If this database resides on premises
other
than your own, you have the issue
of maintaining
secure, reliable communications
links to
your site. You also should be
concerned about
what security measures the database
managers
employ to protect you. |
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