Can we rely on Biometric Security
Biometric fingerprint reader has become an essential component of many security devices today because it can be used to prevent identity frauds. With the passage of time, when it has become quite easy to tamper ID’s and make fake ones, you cannot rely on simple paper identification for strategic business applications.
Employees who are working on critical databases ought to have identity verification based on biometric fingerprints. It is a far more enhanced version of identity authentication and involves a higher aspect of matching a person’s fingerprints. It seeks to mitigate the effects of paper identification in which a person can dupe a company by using fake photographs and signatures on the ID. This reader could be developed because of the development of biometric technology, which made it possible to carry out fingerprint verification.
This solution is quite innovative and therefore allows restricting a person to a single identity. It protects an organization because a person will not be able to indulge in identity frauds of any kind. It is highly useful because sometimes people possessing fake ID’s try to enter an organization for data and property thefts. Biometric security can be incorporated in the form of finger print as well as retinal scan. If you watch a sci-fi Hollywood flick you can see quite a number of example of this biometric security being used. The idea behind this technology is that fingerprint/retina images of an individual are recorded and used for purposes like law enforcement. If the fingerprints do not match, then definitely the accused can be held for prosecution.
This Biometric technology has the following advantages, which make it far more superior to the conventional paper identification methods:
• This technology is highly useful in situations where a high amount of security is required for identity confirmation and hence it cannot be restricted to just paper identification. For example, biometric fingerprint reader is an absolute necessity in banks when it is desired to open a locker or any other valuable account.
• Biometric fingerprint readers can also be successfully employed in biometric passports to prevent any thefts and any illegal immigration. Today, many companies are making use of this technology to record employee’s attendances. In this way, they can actually check whether an employee has come to the office because without fingerprints it would not be possible for the employee to record his attendance.
• Unlike the system of punching cards or any computer time recording applications, an employee needs to be physically present to give an evidence of his attendance. In this scenario, nobody else, like your friends can mark the attendance on your behalf. This system is highly successful in offices but some employees might have hesitation about getting their fingerprints recorded.
However, there are flaws too like f some one wants to intrude into the restricted area, he can point a gun and make some one having access to the zone to authenticate him/herself. But if we see the advantages of this technology, one or two disadvantages can be nullified.
These devices are definitely very reasonable security gadgets because of their low costs and minimal, maintenance charges. Undoubtedly, they are the security devices of the future.
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Comment by James on 1 January 2010:
I still think these methods are highly problematic. It’s not the technology that I take issue with, but the implacability of the elements by which we would be identified.
If technology mores towards fingerprint as a primary identification, people will learn to fake them. It’ll happen, just like every new forgery all it takes is time. Problem is, unlike a drivers license, passport, credit card, and even social security number, once your fingerprints are stolen, you can’t get new ones!
Your identity is stolen, and you can’t get new fingerprints, so what do you do? Not to mention how easy it would be to get someone else finger prints to work from, we leave them everywhere!
Comment by Mark Andrews on 3 January 2010:
I dont think it is any good on its own, it should be combined with a password or PIn or possibly even a key.
I think it will all be hackable once its been mainstream for a while.
See here, its already happeneing :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9UL4m68o4
Comment by Mixt on 12 January 2010:
I think the same as Mark. You should also be required PIN. (Sorry for respond in spanish)
Comment by Idiot Diet on 12 January 2010:
Hello,
I have been using fingerprint entry to get into my house for a long time it has its uses…like when I come in drunk, no need to find a key! Also has a pin code that I give to guests that are staying with me.
The appartments I am staying in are very secure with 24hr security ect a little OTT but still makes me feel safe!
The only time I have found that teh fingerprint does not work is when I have been jogging and my finger is sweaty…lol
I always like new ways of making things safer
Regards
Yvonne
Comment by Blood Test Blog on 13 January 2010:
I also agree that anything can be hacked after a period of time. That was in interesting point by James regarding not being able to get new finger prints. I had not even thought out that scenario in the event someone was able to replicate somehow.
Does the scanner also detect body heat? I was just wondering in the event someone was able to lift a finger print and then transfer it on to something that can be placed on the scanner.
Comment by badtimestory on 14 January 2010:
Use the technology where it suits. There’re always loopholes and imperfections, but I believe there’re more solution than problems. Therefore, just give it a try and a chance to get mature.
Comment by Simon CV on 17 January 2010:
Every little bit helps. Even if they people do learn to fake finger prints, its only the few dedicate hardcore hackers.
Comment by heyguy on 18 January 2010:
like all 3rd world countries …they take time passing people threw airports…more so than america ..like getting loans or grants a friend of mine who works at affordablegrants.com…realizes that the masses of people honest ones is about 85%of society…in 3rd world countries …the thiefs aren’t that smart and if they are…they have to be that honest as well….heyguy
Comment by Frank on 19 January 2010:
biometric security could be reliable if used with other security methods.it could be effective if there is no way one can use some form of synthetically created fingerprints to bypass the security system
Comment by Gigi on 19 January 2010:
For now it is safe. But hackers are getting more and more innovative. We can never predict what they can do
Comment by AlastairHector on 10 February 2010:
Use the technology where it suits. There’re always loopholes and imperfections, but I believe there’re more solution than problems. Therefore, just give it a try and a chance to get mature.
Comment by Gadgetsholic on 19 February 2010:
Nothing is ever Secure, but we can learn to secure it better so it will make an extra hardwork for any hacker.
Comment by jacobandreas on 19 February 2010:
That’s possible, like a finger print. That great technology for more secure.