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| Many forward-thinking organisations are rightly reassessing their security options |
In many industries, security and dependability are at the
forefront of customers’ minds. But the fact is that firewalls and
encryptions will only ever form part of the solution. Jon Mooney and
Dave Bulless, security experts at Ingersoll Rand
in the US and UK respectively, discuss the benefits of biometric
technology in the protection of people, businesses and assets.
Highlighting the many advantages of hand readers and fingerprint
recognition scanners used in conjunction with access control / identity
management software, the writers state that biometric access control is
one of the most secure options available.
The key challenge for offsite storage and information handling
facilities has always been to provide employees and customers with
immediate access, while maintaining a high level of security. However, a
simple access card-based system, where cards can be lost or stolen, is
not the answer. You can’t rely on your customers to remember their card
each time they visit your facility.
Using biometrics for reliable access control
The reality is that although biometrics
is arguably the most
secure option in terms of people and assets, many still don’t understand
the mechanics behind it and often perceive
it as a threat...
|
Many forward-thinking organisations are rightly reassessing their
security options after realising that card-based systems no longer
provide the required protection or the level of convenience to meet
their needs. For data industry leaders, when assessing the questions of
physical access control, the overwhelming answer is biometric
technology.
Hand recognition readers and fingerprint recognition scanners, in
particular, provide a level of security beyond that of a conventional
card system by verifying the identity of the person. At the same time
they eliminate the burden and expense of a card-based system.
For
some, hand readers and finger scanners sound like the stuff of Bond
movies but the reality is, this is where security teams arguably need to
be focusing their efforts. Hand readers and finger scanners make up 80
per cent of biometric access control applications. They are
complementary, as each meets specific needs of the market.
Biometric fingerprint readers - advantages
Fingerprint recognition scanners are currently being used most
successfully in smaller organisations. Best suited to low volume
openings, for instance where doors are accessed by less than 100 people
or at a slower rate, finger recognition technology offers a secure
option where cost is a key consideration. It is often employed for the
protection of sensitive documents and for high-value storage.
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| Larger installations use biometric hand readers at the entrance |
Biometric hand readers – advantages in identity management
Hand reader technology, by contrast, presents an ideal solution for
many larger organisations. Due to its accuracy and speed with which user
identification can be assessed, it provides essential control without
slowing the flow of a large group of people. Typically, larger
installations use biometric hand readers at the entrance, on the
security corridor and at individual customer areas. Administration of
the system is handled by access control/ identity management software,
which can be tailored to the client’s specific requirements including
remote enrolment for multi-facility management and expiring privileges
for temporary access. The hand readers interface directly with their
access control panels and can be configured to control a lock
independent of a panel.
The set-up process for adding someone to a hand reader system is
simple. Once a person has enrolled in the hand reader software, the
system creates a similar account in the primary access control system
and the user’s hand effectively acts as a badge. The hand reader then
compares the hand template with the stored biometric template triggered
by a card or pin and, if it matches, sends an output representing the
badge or pin number to the primary system. The primary system then
decides whether the person is allowed entry.
Dispelling the myths surrounding biometric solutions
The reality is that although biometrics is arguably the most secure
option in terms of people and assets, many still don’t understand the
mechanics behind it and often perceive it as a threat...
The
fundamental point about hand recognition readers and finger recognition
scanners is that they recognise people, not plastic cards. This is
paramount for organisations that require high security, and absolutely
critical to the prevention of unauthorised access to hardware and
sensitive information. They provide an additional layer of security,
ensuring that lost or stolen cards are not later used to access
facilities. Crucially, they ensure that ‘you are you.’
For some, hand readers and finger scanners sounds like the stuff of
Bond movies but the reality is, this is where security teams arguably
need to be focusing their efforts
|
Biometrics, such as hand readers do not require any details about an
individual other than their name. Details of home addresses, bank
account numbers or other personal information are not stored in any file
or database. The measurements taken of an individual’s hand are simply
converted through a unique algorithm into a number, which is stored in
the database. In fact, even if someone gained entry to thePC that the
software is stored on, they would not find any personal information. It
must also be remembered that the main organisations will be using
biometrics once individuals have pre-registered within their facilities
either as employees or contractors. The finger, palm, iris or face is
then used merely to confirm the individual is who they say they are and
genuinely does require access.
There’s no doubt that there are data protection issues in many
schools and other organisations, particularly in relation to personal
information, addresses and other confidential information from social
services for example. But, biometrics is not part of this problem and
should not be lumped together with wider computer security issues.
The reality is that biometrics is safe, cost effective and it does what
alternatives, such as card-based access systems can’t do, and that’s
keep people and assets fully secure. The fact is, whether you’re an
educational institute or a data organisation, investment in the right
security technology is vital. Biometrics is not the problem. In fact, in
security terms, it is the answer.
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| The fundamental point about biometric hand readers and finger scanners is that they recognise people, not plastic cards |
Biometric systems checklist:
• Investigation – Where are you now? Has your
organisation recently grown or accumulated new assets and are you fully
protected? Be honest, interrogate your levels of access and protection
and ensure that your systems are fit for purpose.
• Records – do you have a series of auditable checks
and records in place? Make sure that your security systems offer you a
complete view of access patterns and potential issues across all of your
facilities.
• Scalability – perhaps you require increased
security but can’t afford a significant investment? If so, make sure
that you start with a secure, scalable platform as a minimum which can
be built upon over time, as funds allow.
• Technology – is there a better biometric system
out there for your needs? Keep on top of the latest technology news and
be open about the needs of your organisation. Don’t wait until it’s too
late.
source: http://www.sourcesecurity.com/news/articles/co-2140-ga-co-9770-ga.10361.html
