Considering biometric security in terms of access control

Biometric security systems are progressively being employed for physical access control due to the fast advancement of biometric identification software. Not just at high-security facilities like banks, but even in lower-security areas like office buildings. Biometric technologies are throwing up a slew of new possibilities for bettering the security of people, places, and things, while simultaneously making it easier for individuals to identify themselves.

What is biometric security, and how does it work?

It entails the use of biometric security software to identify persons automatically depending on their behavior or biological features. Due to its low cost, fingerprint detection is the most often employed biometric technology in physical access control at the moment. Multispectral sensors are generally preferred over optical sensors when it comes to 2D fingerprint sensors. They’re a little more costly, but they deliver more accurate and consistent results.

Finger veins, palm veins, faces, and irises are among the other markers employed. Iris tracking, trailed by palm vein identification, is the most accurate in high-security contexts. Several biometric security systems use one or more detection techniques to validate identities, while others don’t ensure IDs at all to save money.

What are the advantages of biometric security systems?

Security is enhanced by biometric systems

One of the most important advantages of biometric security systems is that they may assist you improve your security. Cloning or stealing a fingerprint, for example, is significantly more difficult than cloning or stealing an access card.

Biometrics can also be employed for multifactor authentication in instances where security is a concern. After presenting their credential, for instance, someone must next produce their fingerprint to confirm that they are who they say they are. This is more secure than utilizing a PIN for identification, which may be readily guessed by others.

Biometric systems make life easier

Users may also benefit from biometric security solutions. It’s simple to lose track of a card or a key, but your biometrics are never far away. If the signifier supports hands-free or long-distance identification, you may be able to enter your construction merely by getting your head detected as you pass through the door.

Are there any drawbacks to biometric security systems?

Despite the many benefits of biometric security systems, there are still certain issues and even possible threats to address.

Accuracy

Although there is a good chance of recognizing someone with a biometric system, reliability isn’t assured. Each biometric identification system has its own rate of false accepting and denial, and variables like sunshine and sensor cleaning can impact reliability.

Privacy

Because biometrics are considered sensitive personal data under the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it’s critical to utilize and preserve biometric data in accordance with local laws. In certain nations, for instance, storing biometric data in a centralized database is prohibited.

Enrolment issues

Some biometric recognition methods are unable to register a tiny percentage of people due to issues such as dry fingers, ambiguous fingerprints, eye problems, or very dark irises.

Fraudulent use

Some biometric systems may be fooled by providing a snapshot of a fingerprint or face, which can lead to security breaches. It is feasible to add liveness recognition as an add-on feature to several biometric security solutions. This ensures that the body part displayed is from a real person who is there at the time the sensor is activated.

Some inconvenience

Biometric identifiers require users to be physically available at enrollment, whereas an access card or PIN can be provided ahead of time. Biometric security systems are also notoriously sluggish to operate, which may be an issue if a high number of individuals require access in a short period of time.

GDPR compliance

In certain nations, biometric templates must be saved on accessing cards rather than in a segregated database to comply with local privacy requirements. The advantage is that each individual has their unique biometric template, which means that if their card is lost or stolen, only they are impacted. The disadvantage is that biometrics can only be employed for authentication because the access card is still required for authentication. In addition, templates saved on cards frequently have a lesser quality, making it more challenging to compare properties.