Biometrics are used in everything from mobile phones to security and access control. In an era where security is important, biometric data has emerged as a powerful tool in safeguarding commercial and residential properties. Understanding what biometric data entails and its role in enhancing security is crucial for anyone looking to support their safety measures.
Let’s explore the world of biometric data and its significance in security.
What is biometric data?
Biometric data refers to unique physical or behavioural characteristics of individuals that can be used for identification and access control.
The GDPR defines biometric data as “personal data resulting from specific technical processing relating to the physical, physiological or behavioral characteristics of a natural person, which allow or confirm the unique identification of that natural person, such as facial images or fingerprint data”
Types of biometric data
Biometric data is often categorised into two main types: physical and behavioural.
Physical biometrics
These involve the innate physical characteristics of an individual. Common examples include:
- Fingerprint recognition: involves scanning and matching the unique patterns on an individual’s fingertips.
- Facial recognition: This technology maps facial features and compares them to a database to authenticate identity. It’s commonly used in surveillance systems and smartphone unlocking mechanisms.
- Iris recognition: It relies on the unique patterns found in the coloured part of the eye, surrounding the pupil.
- Voice recognition: It analyses the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice, including pitch, tone, and cadence, for authentication purposes.
What are biometric access control systems?
Biometric access control systems are security mechanisms that use individuals’ unique biological characteristics to verify their identity and grant or deny access to physical spaces or digital resources.
How do biometric access control systems work?
The steps involve registering individuals in the system. During this phase, the system captures and stores the biometric data of an authorised user. This data is then processed to create a biometric template that the system will use for future matching.
The role of biometric access control systems in commercial and residential properties
Biometric access control systems have increasingly become integral to enhancing security and operational efficiency in both commercial and residential properties.
Commercial properties
The use of technology that collects biometric data in the workplace is becoming increasingly common. Examples include facial and fingerprint recognition technology used for security purposes to record time and attendance, or more recently, temperature screenings for COVID precautions.
Certain industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding access to specific areas or information (e.g., finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals). Biometric access control helps ensure compliance by providing a verifiable and secure method of controlling access.
Residential properties
For residential properties, including gated communities and high-end apartment complexes, biometric systems offer residents convenient access without the need for keys or access cards.
In the context of smart homes, biometric systems, particularly fingerprint and facial recognition technologies, can be integrated with other smart home systems.
KBO and biometric systems
As the leader in Fire & Security systems, KBO leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of commercial and residential properties. It provides biometric systems with facial recognition for door entry systems.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with our biometric systems or to request a free initial survey, please get in touch. Call our friendly team today on 0800 999 60 70. We look forward to hearing from you.
