How Biometric Access Systems Work!

Biometric access systems have become a popular choice for those who need access control systems for greater security at home and work.

Since biometric devices make use of biological factors to control biometric access, these systems come with certain advantages over traditional access and security systems.

For example, every person has unique fingerprints, which means that a system that uses fingerprints cannot be bypassed easily and these sources do not have to be changed on a regular basis.

Biometric screening uses a variety of other bio metric sources that can be used as well, since each individual personal is unique.

In some cases, biometric security devices may even use multiple types of biometrics to identify and authenticate users doing a face recognition search.

Biometric Access Systems

Biometric systems are used for security in a variety of applications. They are commonly used to limit access to certain physical areas while others may use these systems to safeguard important, sensitive information.

Both corporate and government environments find biometric systems to be an excellent option for providing security. Of course, many people are familiar with these biometric registration systems but unaware of how they work. Here is a closer look at how biometric security systems actually work.

Multimodal Biometrics Access Control Systems

When biometric access systems are put into place, two different types of biometrics may be use or in some cases, systems may use both types.

Physiological and behavioral biometrics are the two options that may be used.

Physiological biometrics focus on the individual features that are part of the physical body. This can include fingerprints, hand prints, facial recognition, the retina or even the iris patterns. The great thing about these physical characteristics is that they are unique to each individual, providing an excellent security advantage.

Mannerisms that are unique to individuals are the focus of behavioral biometrics. For example, this may include a person’s walking gait or their writing style. Behavioral characteristics are learned over time and are difficult to change or imitate.

Biometrics security can use a single characteristic or several of these physiological or behavioral characteristics to identify an individual. When multiple characteristics are used, it is even harder to fool a multimodal biometrics system.

Enrollment into the System

To use biometric access systems, users must first be enrolled into the system. Scanners are used to record the information of each individual that goes into the system.

Biometric software obtains this information and then stores it for future reference. Then, later, when the person tries to access the system, the information taken will be compared to the previously stored information. For example, if a biometric fingerprint reader is being used, the reader will scan the iris and store that information in the database.

The user simply places their finger on the fingerprint reader, the prints are scanned by the reader and then they are saved to the system. It is usually a fairly quick and easy process.

Biometrically Identifying and Authenticating Users

After all authorized users have been enrolled in the system, it can then be used to biometrically identify and authenticate users. When someone wants to gain access to a specific area or to certain information, they will be required to provide their information, such as their fingerprint. They are required to present their fingerprint to the scanner.

The system then scans their fingerprint and compares it to the fingerprints already in the system. If the characteristics provided match those on file, access is granted to the system. However, if a mismatch does occur, the individual will be denied access to the system.

Biometric Access Control Benefits

If you choose to use biometric access systems, they offer several benefits. Instead of having pin numbers, keys or access cards, which can be lost, stolen or shared. Now you no longer have to replace cards or keys and your system is more secure.

It is easy to change this system when an employee no longer needs access to the area. Since characteristics are individual and so hard to counterfeit, it offers better peace of mind for those who are concerned about the security of their property or information.

While this technology was once considered as futuristic, today it is becoming more popular for those who want to tighten their security.

For companies and organizations that require cutting edge security that includes a decreased risk of shared access, biometric access systems can offer the perfect option. Various devices are available to fit individual needs and the investment made into these devices will definitely pay off over time.