The advancement of technology has allowed us to replicate exactly what we see in the movies with futuristic vaults and implement them in real life. For high-security properties, having a biometric security system can be a game-changer in terms of protecting your property. But this complicated technology is not easy for everyone to understand.
It’s definitely not something that can be installed without a trusted and professional security team. So here’s everything you need to know about biometric security systems and how they function to best protect your business or home.
What is a Biometrics Security System?
Biometric security is something that most of us are interacting with on a daily basis. You may be surprised to learn that the best example of how biometric security works is using a smart device that has facial recognition or thumbprint recognition. This is biometric security that allows us to unlock our smart devices.
In more technical terms, biometric security systems use software that is programmed to only accept a certain DNA feature such as one’s unique retina in their eyes, their thumbprint, or something else. With this, a specific individual can be granted access by unlocking the entry point as if they had a key. Except the key is their unique features.
Sometimes or most often biometric security systems will be paired in a dual fashion meaning that not only will it be your DNA that unlocks the entry point but also a unique passcode or key card. This heightens the security a few steps further, providing extra security depending on the needs of the property.
How does a Biometrics Security System work?
While the most simple form of biometric security systems involves Face ID from Apple products, they can become a lot more complicated depending on the security system that is put in place. For financial institutions, the medical industry, and tech companies, biometric security is often implemented throughout the entire property. Different levels of security may be placed at different entry points, as you don’t need triple-pass security to enter the front door, but may need it to protect the vaulted products.
By registering your DNA or your employee’s DNA to certain areas where they are permitted, you can allow it to run on just that to enter the property or combine it with other safeguards. Simply by placing their thumbprint, standing face to the camera, or scanning their retina, the locks will open if it is the right user.
Benefits of a Biometrics Security System
Because of how unique the biometric security systems are, they offer so many benefits to a company that would outweigh the costs. Specifically for companies that need tight security, these benefits give peace of mind that other security systems may not.
Here are the following benefits to a biometrics security system.
Enhanced Security
The security system that uses biometrics is one of the absolute highest security measures a company can take. There are a lot of different reasons for this but to name the top few see our bullet list below.
- Biometrics are non-transferable, meaning to steal someone’s DNA is a lot harder than stealing a key fob. This automatically heightens security by a lot.
- They are easy to pair with other forms of security like passcodes, key fobs, key cards, or even dual-biometric measures.
Up-to-date
Biometric systems are with the times. As many other security systems become outdated, they also become less reliable. This is something that can constantly be updated since it runs on software, which means adding new employees and getting rid of access for old employees becomes a lot easier, keeping the entire property safer at all times.
User Experience
This is also a pleasant user experience for employees. Carrying around keys or losing key cards has notoriously been a pain in the butt. This problem goes away all together when you don’t have to worry about that. Simply showing up as yourself is good enough and makes things a lot easier.
Long-term Cost Efficient
Replacing all those keys that are constantly lost or worse, replacing the locks can be costly if it is happening frequently. That’s why having a system that can update through software is a lot better and long-term cost-efficient. The initial investment is hefty, but it can save you a breach that has been known to put smaller businesses under and cause massive damage for even the world’s most stable giants.
Types of Biometrics Security System
There are many types of biometric security systems that a company or a household can work with. Furthermore, all those systems can be and likely will be customized to a property’s individual needs, as all properties are unique. Here are some of the basic equipment pieces and parts to a biometric security system so that you can get an idea of what would be a good starting point and fit for your property.
- Fingerprint: Simply put, this would be putting your thumbprint on your fingers like you would on a smart device.
- Facial Recognition: Using one’s unique face and features to recognize access.
- Voice Recognition: Our voices also have unique capabilities that can be used to grant entry.
- Iris Scan: Our irises in our eyes contain a unique set of muscles that can be measured for biometric security.
- Retina Scan: Our retinas also are a unique part of the eye that can be used for security.
- Keystroke Dynamics: This makes a person follow a unique pattern on a keypad or board with their biometric data.
- Signature Recognition: Simply by allowing the person to sign for their biometric security function.
Best Biometrics Security Systems
You are probably already thinking this is a great idea because of the level of customization and security a biometric security system provides. You are not wrong. But finding the best system can be a whole other ordeal.
Here are some of the best biometric security systems:
Aratek
Aratek is one of the world’s leading biometric security systems. With quality high-end products coming to major institutions, banks, etc., for an affordable price, they become one of the number one choices.
Panini
Panini has been in the game for 75 years, meaning they have updated with the times and will continue to do so. Since they are one of the largest brands to deploy their products throughout the world, they have plenty of customer satisfaction to back up their products and services.
Rank One Computing
Rank One Computing is currently used by the U.S. Department of Defense for its outstanding facial recognition accuracy. Primarily focused on U.S. businesses, Rank One becomes a great choice for South Florida businesses considering how close to home they are.
What are the Risks of Biometric Security?
No matter how great the security, there are always risks that every company needs to be aware of, regardless of it being a biometric security system. While the risks are low, there are still a few presents that companies should be familiar with.
Biohacking
No system is fool-proof. Fingerprints can be stolen and systems can be hacked to break down access for those who aren’t normally permitted. While this is unlikely, no company can guarantee 100% bullet-proof systems. This is why it is important to talk with not only the manufacturer of the system but the local security provider you choose to work with and monitor your base. Nothing replaces human security to double up the efforts of reliability.
Updates
Times are changing fast with technology, which means updates are always in store. With some companies, these updates may come at no cost, and with others, they may come at a price. This is why you should be communicating in the original contract and agreement what will and will not be included.
Because these are expensive systems, likely you will find most updates within a certain timeframe will be included in the contract as long as the update is not a cause of the purchaser and rather something the manufacturer needs to work with.
Biometrics Security System FAQs
Biometric systems are a lot to cover and handle, which is why we should take this section of the guide to focus on the most frequently asked questions. While this still may not answer everything you are wondering because these systems are highly personalized, you can always work with and talk to a security provider to iron out the rest of the details.
Are there ways for the system to glitch?
Yes, if you are working with fingerprints, and you get a cut on your finger it is possible to be denied access because your biometric data is different at that time. However, this is why it is important to have a system that offers dual or triple-pass security because you may be able to access it differently.
The same thing can happen with scratched eyes or other face lesions or differences. Depending on how the system will be set up will depend on whether you will be able to grant access in other ways if you come across this issue.
What happens with a loss of power?
Hardwired systems will turn off the power but with this level of security and cost, they should be backed up by battery or data operations until the power can be restored. In situations where the power is out, it can end up putting the entire building in lockdown, meaning no entry to exit. This needs to be discussed and laid out with the security provider and manufacturer.
Sometimes criminals purposefully cut the power for this reason. This is why most times the system is backed up, but there is no guarantee.
How do I know what level of security I need?
Every business and property is laid out differently. This means that the plan designed for the level of security will be different to provide the safest plan. Earlier mentioned, the level of security for the vaulted portion of the business will be much different from the entry point of the business.
This could mean putting products like surveillance cameras in one area and alarm sensors in another. This will not only help you secure the place in different ways but aid authorities in their process of investigating a break-in or theft.
Circle Security Solutions Product Showcase
Using a trusted provider is the most important part of the entire thing. This is because, without proper installation and constant monitoring service, the system doesn’t work as well as you need it to. This is why you can work with someone at Circle Security Solutions to help your business from beginning to end meeting all your needs.
With a variety of products that can be implemented with biometric security systems, all your bases will be covered, ensuring the highest level of possible security.
Don’t Go At It Alone
Learning about biometric security systems can be a handful. These are great systems that allow us and your employees or family members to use their unique DNA to gain entry to areas where other people shouldn’t be allowed access. With the right planning and design, this can award you the highest possible security in today’s market. But there are always some risks, and the cost doesn’t come cheap.
Long term this is a great cost-efficient solution as software can be updated unlike locks and keys in more traditional times. But this is a lot of info to sync in, so working with a great provider can help you better understand the process and your unique situation.
Don’t wait to get started, call Circle Security Solutions today to start working on a plan and protect your property.
