Biometric security measures, which use physical markers like fingerprints and facial recognition, are generally impregnable to hackers but have drawbacks such as changes to the body over time. They offer tailored security but can be costly and complicated to maintain if personnel’s biometrics change.
There are numerous advantages – and several notable disadvantages – to using biometric security measures for physical facilities and electronic devices. Biometric security uses a person’s physical markers as the only means of gaining access through that security. Typical biometric identification markers include fingerprints, voice verification, retina scans, and facial recognition software.
While these security measures are quite expensive, the main benefit is that they are generally impregnable to hackers, criminals, or others whom the security measures aim to keep at bay. However, biometric technologies have several drawbacks, including the fact that the human body changes over time. Changes that alter the biometric identification marks of those granted access can complicate both long-term security logistics and workflow.
The primary benefit of using biometric security systems is the ability of the property owner or head of security to tailor the security system directly to the personnel most in need of access. The idea is that by using natural markers that are unique to each individual person, the security system will be able to easily identify those who are allowed access, while easily identifying those who are not. Biometric security is best suited to physical spaces that require continuous or long-term protection. There are some methods of using biometric technologies for hardware, software and data protection as well, but these methods can be overcome by persistent and dedicated hackers.
Biometric security systems have a distinct advantage over traditional passwords, keycodes and access cards because they cannot be hacked, stolen or transferred by a person who is granted access. However, beyond this feature, biometric security systems have problems and disadvantages. For example, developing cataracts could severely inhibit a person’s ability to log in via retinal scan confirmation, causing problems for an entire facility that has devoted its resources to this form of biometric security.
If a staff member with security access develops a medical condition that alters their biometrics, the facility in question will have one of two choices. They will have to invest heavily in additional forms of security exclusively for that person, or change the entire system to another biometric format or move away from biometrics altogether. Biometric security measures offer the ability to protect a facility or device in a unique and personal way, but caution and forethought should be used when attempting to configure the system.
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