Biometric security systems are rapidly becoming the go-to solution for businesses looking to enhance their security measures, using unique physiological and behavioural traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and voice patterns to verify and authenticate users.

As an effective, efficient, and reliable security solution, biometric security systems provide businesses with many benefits, from increased security and reduced risk of fraud to improved productivity and customer satisfaction. This type of security system is also becoming the most trusted among consumers. According to Experian, 74% of consumers perceive physical biometrics to be the most secure method for digital identity verification.

It’s no surprise then that many businesses are opting for biometric security instead of more conventional methods. In this guide, from Sovereign Fire and Security, leaders in reliable and robust fire, life safety & security systems, we’ll explore everything you need to know about biometric security systems, including how they work, the different types available, security implications, and their benefits.

How does biometric security work?

Biometric security systems work by using unique physical or behavioural traits to identify and authenticate individuals. These traits could be fingerprints, facial recognition, voice patterns, or even the way you walk.

When a user attempts to access a secured area or system, their biometric data is captured and compared to the stored data in the system’s database. If the two sets of data match, the user is authenticated and granted access. And if it doesn’t match, then access will remain locked.

One of the reasons why this approach to security is so effective is that it eliminates the need for passwords, which can be easily compromised. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations report, 81% of hacking-related breaches used stolen passwords and/or weak passwords in 2022.

Types of biometric security systems

There are several types of biometric security systems available today, with different options to meet the needs of most business requirements and business types. These include:

Fingerprint recognition: Fingerprint technology works by comparing the presented print with those already loaded onto a system. If a match is found, access will be granted.

Facial recognition: This type of biometric security system uses features of a person’s face to identify and authenticate users.

Retina recognition: This system works by capturing an image of an individual’s eye and then using this image to examine the individual’s retina, this being the coloured optical component that surrounds the pupil.

Voice recognition: Identifies individuals by analysing their voice patterns and characteristics. The unique properties of an individual’s vocal features create a distinctive vocal profile which can be used for identification.

Each type of biometric security system has its advantages and limitations. It is essential to choose the right system based on your business’s specific security needs and the capabilities of the technology.

Learn more about creating an effective security strategy for your organisation >

The benefits of biometric security vs conventional security

You might be wondering why more and more businesses are opting to invest in biometric security systems over more conventional methods. Put simply, biometrics offers many benefits over traditional security systems that are hard to argue with. Keep reading to find out more.

  1. High accuracy: Biometric security uses unique physical or behavioural traits for authentication, making it highly accurate and almost impossible to forge.
  2. Convenient: Biometric security eliminates the need for users to remember multiple passwords or carry security tokens, providing a more convenient user experience.
  3. Easy to integrate: Biometric security systems can be easily integrated into existing security infrastructure, reducing the need for additional hardware or software.
  4. Enhanced security: Biometric security systems offer businesses greater visibility and control over access to their facilities or systems, helping to prevent unauthorised access and reducing the risk of fraud or cyber-attacks.
  5. Quick and efficient: Biometric authentication is typically faster and more efficient than conventional security measures, reducing waiting times and increasing productivity.
  6. Scalable: Biometric security systems can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size and needs of the organisation, making it a flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.
  7. Reduces human error: Biometric security eliminates the risk of human error, such as forgetting passwords or misplacing security fobs, reducing the potential for security breaches.

When dealing with highly sensitive documents and information, biometric security and access control systems are a great way to help significantly increase the protection of these by ensuring only authorised individuals have access to the building or areas these documents are stored.

As experts in the design, installation and maintenance of security systems, we have been working with Commercial Law Firm, TLT Solicitors, to ensure the highest security of their UK offices since 2003. This includes the installation and maintenance of Access Control Systems and Intruder Alarms.

Here’s what Miranda Jenkins, Facilities Manager at TLT Solicitors had to say:

“One of the main challenges for our security system is that we have ISO 27001 Information Security Accreditation. This means that it is vital that all documents and data are very secure. We can’t afford to have any security lapses. We therefore need a security company that can cover all of our UK offices and react quickly. Sovereign Fire and Security are always consistent and are very adaptable. They are good at coming up with the right solutions for the environment they work in. I would be  happy to recommend Sovereign.”

View the full case study here.

Are there security implications for biometrics?

Despite the many incredible benefits of biometric authentication and its uses in modern-day businesses, it’s also important to consider the pitfalls.

More companies are using biometric authentication systems, like facial recognition technology, to keep their users’ data safe. But we also need to be careful about the privacy of users.

Storing biometric data as digital information can be risky, especially if it’s in places with extensive surveillance measures. This data needs to be kept in full compliance of data protection and needs additional considerations and policies compared to conventional forms of security.

Then there’s the risk of data breaches. As biometric data is irreplaceable, businesses must go above and beyond with security measures to protect the sensitive biometric data of their employees.

Unlike a password or pin that can be changed when compromised, the same can’t be said for a person’s physiological or behaviour biometrics.

To combat these issues, partnering with a trusted security provider like Sovereign can help to mitigate the risks.

Learn More with Sovereign Fire and Security

Here at Sovereign Fire and Security, our access control systems help give you the ultimate peace of mind. Whether it’s for a private home or a large multi-property commercial premises, our expert team can help find you the best system for your individual requirements. Simply let us know what you need and your budget, and we’ll help you find the best solution, taking care of everything, from design, installation and ongoing maintenance. We work with the best manufacturers and the latest technology in access control to ensure the highest security and safety of both your assets and biometric data. For more information about access control and other security solutions get in touch with our expert team.

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