Futuristic fingerprint protection for small businesses31 August 2005
Biometric technology has been headline news over the last couple of months, with the UK government revealing plans to incorporate it into passports and the proposed identification cards. But despite this media attention, fingerprint scanners have in fact been deployed over the last few years to provide high levels of security in a number of business environments.
A few years ago, the idea of using such technology in small businesses would have seemed fantastical, but many companies are now waking up to the significantly improved data security benefits it can offer.
The age of biometrics
Biometrics is the identification of an individual based upon physiological or behavioural characteristics. The technology is increasingly being developed as an alternative to PIN numbers and passwords for a number of reasons.
- An individual requiring access must be present for authorisation to be approved.
- It eliminates the need to remember PIN numbers and passwords. See our previous feature offering advice on remembering passwords.
- Removes the threat of codes and passwords falling into unauthorised hands.
The most popular application of biometric security within small businesses is the use of fingerprint readers to protect PCs, mobile phones and networks from hackers. See our previous feature on other ways to protect your business from protect your business from security threats to networks.
How can fingerprint readers benefit small businesses?
Because a fingerprint reader scans and assesses the ridges and minutiae of an individual's print, small business security structures and protocols can be significantly reduced, resulting in clear long-term cost and time savings, and improved profits.
- Unlike passwords and PINs, a fingerprint cannot change so security administration and staff numbers may be reduced.
- Simpler and faster control of secured networks and workstations improves staff productivity as less time is wasted implementing authorisation controls, or bypassing them when passwords are forgotten, for example.
- The method of security provides better protection than any other means of authorisation against the threat of fraud or theft, improving profits as material or intellectual property safety is more easily maintained.
- Most fingerprint scanners will connect to any USB point, making installation simple and cost-efficient.
- Can be used in conjunction with existing security measures, such as digital certificates, to boost small business data protection. See our feature on the benefits of digital certificates for small businesses.
Find out more about the range of fingerprint security products and services offered by BT
