Finger Key Biometric locks by definition, are locks that grant access based on a unique body trait of the person trying to open it. This can mean either your retina or your fingerprint. Here, we’ll be discussing primarily fingerprint locks, as retina scanners are not intended for personal use.
So, how do they work? Of course, they scan fingerprints. But the real question is how do they scan and then remember your fingerprint.
How Do Biometric Fingerprint Locks Work?
Here is where our own anatomy comes to the rescue. As you know, human fingerprints are unique for every individual. They are as personal and as special as our DNA. Based on this, biometric locks can recognize and separate different users.
The way fingerprint scanners scan is different, actually. There are the optical scanners, and they, in essence, take photos of your finger and then store the photo for matching. These types of scanners can be tricked by presenting a photo of the print. Another scanner, called a capacitor scanner, makes an electronic mold of your fingerprint. Of course, this scanner can be fooled by presenting the exact mold of the fingerprint.
The last type of scanner, Ultrasound, is the least likely to be fooled. This fingerprint reader uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the outer layer of the skin. They read the fingerprint on the inner, which eliminates the need for a clean surface and. These scanners are the hardest to trick, and they will not fall to any conventional tactics. this also makes them the most expensive, but also the most popular.
Locks with Multiple Factor Authentication
Multiple factor authentication or MFA is a method of gaining access by presenting several authenticating instances. This means that you have to present at least two types of authenticating code to unlock a lock. Usually, these instances are something a person knows, owns, or something they are. A Common method of multi-factor authentication would be knowing a password and swiping a key card.
When it comes to biometric locks and other biomertic devices, this is usually manifested as having a fingerprint (something you are) and a keypad for a code (something you know). When faced with these locks, you will not only have to introduce your finger print to the device, but you will have to input the code as well. Failing to produce either one of these authentications will result in the lock not yielding entry.
Two factor authentication should be utilized when you want to obtain high levels of security.
Overall, commercially, fingerprint locks are very reliable and good. They can be used by residents or commercially for offices and warehouses. In fact, wherever there is a need to protect property or valuable information, you may find it that a fingerprint lock is very well suited for the job. Common uses are on home safes, hand gun safes, padlocks, computers, and both interior and exterior doors. There are even fingerprint scanners built into time and attendance clocks for employers to prevent employee time fraud and unauthorized entry.
For practical purposes fingerprint locks are quite good. They are very convenient and fairly cheap. They, of course, cost more than mechanical locks, but they are also infinitely more secure. For these high security locks, you get what you pay for.
Like we said above, a key can be stolen and then used by an intruder to gain access to your possessions or your family. When it comes to fingerprint locks, the intruder is faced with a much harder task of getting in.
Of course, these locks aren’t foolproof. They can be faulty by themselves, and they may not recognize your own fingerprint, which leads to much frustration. If you were to cut your finger and if the cut were to leave a scar, you may not be able to use the scanner, as the lock will now treat it like a new fingerprint.
Thanks for your support,
Todd Theroux
Owner
