26
Aug
2011
The latest technology push in locking devices is the field of biometrics, which means that in order to open a bio-metric lock, you must first have your fingerprint or another physical characteristic verified. If you have seen the first Mission Impossible, to get into the vault room where Tom Cruise gets lowered down into, that would be an example of a biometric scan of the eye to open the door.
There are biometric scans to verify identity through facial characteristics, hands, retinas (also called iris scans) and voice recognition.
The most commonly used type of biometric lock uses fingerprint analysis. This type of security has been in use for decades to authorize entry to government employees and businesses that have large numbers of people entering and for whom keys and keyed locks are not practical.
Biometric doorknobs can be purchased for home use and while they might be more expensive than more traditional locks, they are also safer and easier to use. With keyed locks, there is always the possibility that the lock could be picked or keys lost, copied or stolen. It is also much faster to open a biometric lock than another type. Lost ID cards and forgotten passwords are a thing of the past.
Biometric security is a multi-billion dollar industry. Fingerprint locks account for most of the sales, with facial recognition a close second.
How secure is biometrics? The technology is always improving but with fingerprints, the high-end scanners can help prevent fraud by testing finger temperature and the amount of pressure applied as well as the print itself.
Biometric deadbolts are very tough and can withstand a lot of force without breaking. Since there is no keyhole, they cannot be picked, and some models come equipped with alarms if an unauthorized person tries to open it.
With retina scans, the iris is scanned with infrared light. This type of scan is as secure as a fingerprint but is very expensive at present.
There are a few drawbacks to biometric systems, including occasional false positives and false negatives with fingerprints, and voice recognition is certainly not fail-proof, since a person’s voice can sound quite different at different times of day.
You can buy many things that already have biometric fingerprint locks, from briefcases, gun safes, wall safes to file cabinets, computer keyboards and laptops.
If you are thinking about the right way to secure your home, office, or other property you might want to consider biometric lock assemblies, they do cost more than regular locks, but they will last and provide a high level of security for your business or home. US Locksmith Pros is capable of handling the installation of biometric locks, if you have questions regarding the procedure, cost, or types that are available you can give us a call and we will help you decide what types of locks are right for your situation.
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