Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Biometrics - 10 Ways it Will Improve Your Security

Biometrics is the use of physical characteristics for identification purposes. Probably the most well known biometric used, is the fingerprint. As well as fingerprints, iris, retina and vein recognition can be used to successfully identify somebody. Hand recognition is also being used, although usually in conjunction with swipe cards or access codes. This is because hands are not necessarily unique.

1. Using a biometric access control system means that there is much less risk of error. Security guards don't physically have to learn and remember who is allowed in the building, or the different area of the building, and who is not. Biometrics are right every time.

2. There are significant cost savings to be made, as security staff are not required to either constantly study CCTV monitors, or physically watch those people who enter or leave a building.

3. Unlike a photograph, or a swipe card, a person's fingerprints or iris will never wear out. This means that biometrics can be still be used as an effective means of identification, even as the person gets older.

4. Because people always carry their body parts with them, there is no chance of forgetting or losing a swipe card, or access code number.

5. Intruders or thieves can't force staff into handing over swipe card or pin numbers, as there are no cards to carry, or numbers to remember.

6. With the more sophisticated biometric access control systems, a person cannot be forced into allowing access to an unauthorised person, as the system will detect the number of people trying to gain access at the same time.

7. Biometrics can be used for securing warehouses and other high value stock areas, and mean that only people who should be in the area can get in the area.

8. Companies that handle lots of personal information and sensitive data, perhaps like medical records, employment or tax records, and government information can use biometrics to ensure that even there is an intruder in the building, the personal information can't be accessed.

9. Those companies that utilise time and attendance systems such as factories, or shift workers can ensure that there is no employee fraud by inaccurate timekeeping, or clocking in for absent colleagues.

10. Biometrics will lead to better security overall, and will mean that existing security might be better deployed elsewhere, or used for physically searching people, or monitoring any suspicious activity.

Now you know more about biometrics, and how it can help improve your security systems, why not see what else it can do for you?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James

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