Among the most popular security systems on the market, biometric access control offers a blend of convenience and security unmatched by any other access control system.
Since the success of fingerprint-based digital access control systems, which secure access to personal and enterprise electronic devices, biometric access control has become a popular option. It involves using a person's unique physical characteristics to access a system. The characteristics can range from fingerprints to iris scans to facial recognition. In this article, we discuss biometric access control and its working principles, uses, and benefits over passwords.
What is Biometric Access Control?
Biometric access control systems use a person's unique physical characteristics to access a system. This can be anything from fingerprints to retinas to facial recognition. These characteristics are usually stored in a biometric identification system and are compared to the characteristics of the person attempting access to ensure authenticity.
Biometric systems can be classified according to the technology used for capturing and storing biometric characteristics.
Fingerprint technology has been used for many years and is the most commonly used biometric technology. It works well because fingerprints are unique to each person, making it hard for someone else to use them to access a system.
Iris scanning technology has been used to secure digital access to computers for some time now. It works by capturing the unique pattern in a person's iris to verify the person's identity.
Facial Recognition (FR) is a newer technology that is rapidly becoming more popular. It uses algorithms to compare a person's image against one stored on a system.
Uses of Biometric Access Control
Biometric access control can be used to secure access to a wide range of facilities and equipment. Examples include:
Biometric doors: These doors use biometric sensors to open and close. They can be controlled with a biometric key fob or mobile app, enabling people to come and go while staying secure.
Biometric locks: These are used to secure doors. They use biometric sensors or electronic locks to open and close.
Access control readers: Readers capture biometric information from an individual and send that information to a database.
Access control computers: These are used to manage access. They can recognize authorized users and revoke access when they leave the system or are revoked.
Advantages of Biometric Access Control
Easy to Use - Biometric systems are easy to use and quick for users. They can be accessed with a fingerprint or an eye scan, making them more convenient than using a password.
- Physical Access - Biometric systems are more secure than electronic access control systems, which are susceptible to hacking. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized people to access the system and, therefore, the protected assets.
- Accountability - Accountability is another advantage of biometric access control. All users have to do is identify themselves through a biometric system and receive access.
Disadvantages of Biometric Access Control
Privacy Concerns: Unlike passwords, biometric systems can identify users, which means they are likely to have privacy concerns.
- Cost - Biometric access control is more expensive than traditional hardware and software. It is, therefore, important to compare the cost of using biometric access control and other technologies to ensure the investment is worth it.
- Security Concerns - Biometric systems are susceptible to hacking, particularly when it comes to facial recognition.
- False Positive - A false positive is when a biometric reader recognizes a person for whom it is not programmed to recognize.
How do biometric access control systems work?
Biometric access control and its functionality are based on science and technology. There's no need to be confused by complex explanations; they're straightforward.
Biometric access control systems record a person's physiological information. This data is collected by scanners attached to the devices. You can, for example, have a fingerprint scanner that stores a data file with a fingerprint analysis. Then you choose who you want to have access to whatever is behind the access control system, and register their fingerprints.
When you open a door, your finger is scanned. The system checks if there is a matching print in the database after analyzing the print. Once it determines that there is a match, the access control opens. However, entry is denied if there is no match.
Among the many biometric access control methods, fingerprints are just one. It's easy and convenient, however, to scan a print that makes it the most popular form of biometrics.
Retinal scanning entails scanning your retinas. The iPhone X, which introduced facial recognition to the consumer market in 2018, has also been making these technologies more mainstream.
The same general concept applies regardless of the type of biometrics being measured. To summarize even further:
Fingerprints are one example of biometric data that may be analyzed in biometric access control
All biological data from the people who are allowed access to the database is created
The access control system scans individuals as they use it
If their biological data is on record, they can access it
No access is granted if no biological match is found
How much does it cost to install a Biometric Door Access Control System?
Biometric access control systems come with a wide range of features and prices. However, it is important to understand how the system works and what it should be installed for. This will help determine how much it will cost to install the system.
- The size and type of the biometric system will affect the installation cost. The bigger and more complex the system, the more expensive it is to install.
- The cost of components such as sensors, readers, and computers will also affect the installation cost.
- The number of doors, devices and other equipment that need to be secured by the system will determine the cost.
Biometric Door Access Control System Installation
Installing a biometric access control system is similar to installing any other security system. It involves installing sensors, readers, and computers at the facility entrance or the equipment's entry points.
The sensors should be installed at the entry points to the facility. They should cover all the entry points and be connected to a sensor hub.
The readers should be placed at the sensors to read the fingerprints of the authorized users. The readers can be mounted on a wall or kept in a cabinet.
Biometric computers should be installed at the entry points of equipment. They should be connected to the readers and the sensor hub. The computers should be programmed to recognize authorized users and revoke access when a user leaves the system or is revoked.
Conclusion
Biometric access control systems at Lock-up Services have been in use for some time now. These systems work by using the unique physical characteristics of a person to access a system. They can be used to secure doors, readers, and computers.
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