While biometric home security is quite popular nowadays, many security options are available to businesses as well. In fact, many companies are already making use of biometric security in many different applications. For business security, it is important to have information that does not change, which makes biometric security options such a popular choice. Here is a closer look at some of the biometric security options for businesses.
The Future of Biometrics in Retail
Biometric technology is being integrated into many businesses and there is little doubt that biometrics has a future in the retail industry as well. Retailers nowadays are looking for ways to reduce theft, improve productivity and increase overall profits. These goals make biometric technologies an excellent choice for retailers.
Biometric technology offers retailers an excellent way to prevent theft. This technology could be used with anti-theft devices that require store employees to remove the devices with their fingerprints before the item can leave the store, helping to reduce theft.
Of course, biometric technology can also help reduce time card fraud and buddy punching for retailers, saving them money and increasing employee productivity. Retailers can even use biometrics to upgrade their overall security, using biometric locks and monitoring systems that enhance security.
Although biometric technology is still quite high, as the technology becomes cheaper, expect to see retailers begin using this technology to their advantage.
Biometrics in Banking Security
The banking industry has already started using biometric technology for many different applications. This industry has been profoundly affected by the incredible advances in biometric security technology, especially since this industry requires individuals to prove their identity.
Many banks are beginning to use fingerprint readers to verify the identity of customers. This helps establish the identity of a customer quickly. Some banks even using fingerprint readers to protect computers, ensuring that the financial information of their customers is not compromised.
Some ATMs are already using biometric technology, such as iris scanners and fingerprint scanners. Many individuals worry about what would happen if someone stole their debit or ATM card. However, ATMs that use biometric technology require more than just the card and the pin number – they also require a piece of biometric information before dispensing cash.
Biometrics Encryption
Another biometric security option for businesses is biometrics encryption. This provides businesses with a wonderful way to protect information on computers. While few computers use encryption technology nowadays, this technology is expected to become even more popular in the future. In fact, many computer manufacturers may begin making computers with biometrics encryption integrated right into the computer design.
At this point, it is a much better choice to purchase encryption devices separately from the computer. Once the device is plugged into the computer, the software must be installed, and then fingerprint information can be added to grant access to certain individuals. Using biometrics encryption offers the benefit of preventing on-site hacking and data theft.
Biometric Surveillance
Traditional methods of surveillance are quickly becoming a thing of the past and biometric surveillance is quickly taking its place. Many businesses fear corporate theft and break-ins, which makes biometric surveillance an attractive option for many companies nowadays. In fact, biometric surveillance is even a viable option for homeowners looking for biometric home security options.
Biometric surveillance can prevent break-ins and theft by scanning each individual that enters a building. They work especially well for restricted areas. Various forms of surveillance can take place with biometric systems. Fingerprints, voiceprints, retinal patterns, gait identification, and other biometric technologies can be used with biometric surveillance.
Biometrics in Schools
Schools and colleges are beginning to use biometrics nowadays as well. Not only is biometric technology becoming popular among private schools, but many public schools are beginning to use biometrics for security purposes as well.
Many schools nowadays are using automated fingerprint systems for school registration, library systems, and for cashless catering in cafeterias. Using these systems helps to eliminate problems like lost identity cards. Of course, while these systems offer many benefits, some people do object to the use of biometrics within schools. Some parents fear that teaching young children to give up their biometric information easily is a bad idea, which may lead to the invasion of privacy in the future.
Since parents are so divided on the idea of biometrics in schools, schools may choose to use systems that allow students to use cards instead of biometric information, ensuring that students and parents can opt out of these programs.
Although biometrics in schools is still quite controversial, biometric technology is more accepted in institutions of higher learning, such as colleges and universities. Since students are older and legally able to give their own consent, it is very likely that biometric technology will continue to become more popular among institutions of higher learning in the near future.
Biometrics in Airport Security
Although biometrics in airport security is not that common today, expect it to become more prevalent within the next few years. Security is very important in airports, especially in a post 9-11 world. Biometric security systems have a lot to offer airports, even though these systems can be expensive.
Airports are continually trying to find new ways to eliminate dangers. Biometric technology offers airports a much better way to deal with security concerns. Since biometrics uses things that are unique among all individuals, this technology would definitely prove helpful in airports that see thousands of people go through daily.
Certain airports around the world are already using biometrics to screen fliers. Although this technology is not yet used within the United States, airports in Europe and other areas of the world are using biometric security systems effectively. While some people still see this type of technology as invasive, many people are willing to use this technology if it will keep them safe while they are flying.
