Pros and Cons of Bio-metric Access Control

 By Asenika Liyanage  11/07/2020 

The concepts of Bio-metric Access controls is not novel to the technological world. However, it would be important understand that it is highly growing field of interest, when it comes to Cyber Security, Organizational risk management and all other security related aspects. The reason for this would be that, Physical access control is the base and most vigilant requirement in all security risk management processes. 

What do you mean by Bio Metric Access Control? 

Bio-metric access controls are security controls which are using digital devices with capability of identifying some sort of physical features or characteristics of humans. When Bio-metrics are used, it is referred to as Bio-metric authentication or realistic authentication. These access controls are used to label and identify individuals.  

There are Physiological Bio-Metrics and Behavioral Bio-Metrics. 

Some such Physiological Bio-Metrics used as unique access control mechanisms include, 

• Fingerprints
• Eye Retina
• Eye Iris 
• Face
• Palm Veins
• Palm Print etc. 

 Some Behavioral Bio-Metrics include, but not limited to, 

• Signature
• Voice 
• Typing Rhythm
• Gait etc. 

Latest Technologies related to Bio Metric Access Control.

Above mentioned Bio-metrics are used in Security sector to ensure security of systems.

Most common would be the use of Signature. However, this would be a least secure method, since it is easier to be fraudulent. 

Therefore, the most common and effective way is to use Fingerprint Scanners. These are widely used from gate security systems, to highly secure devices such as Bio-metric input devices like mouse and keyboards, Finger print enabled USB drives etc. Palm Scans are also be used for much assurance of security. 

With the development of computer vision related researches, there are very accurate and sharp Face Recognition Systems. Even a step further in to the highest level of security there are Retina Scans and Iris Scans. Iris Scans are used instead of Retina Scans now since Iris is even harder to  replicate and Iris Scan than a Retina scan. 

There are many reasons why organizations use Bio-metric security. Some of which include, the obvious high security and reliable security related assurance, when compared with standard controls such as pin codes or passwords. 

In addition, it provide better user experience and usability as well. Unlike Passwords or pin codes etc., these are unique to an individual and cannot be transferred or shared. 

Also, attackers cannot easily steal these types of control mechanisms. Thereby, system accountability and reliability would increase as well. Very very rarely would two individuals have same finger prints or look exactly alike. 

Disadvantages of using Bio-metrics for security. 

However, as an organization, here certain cons as well in using these systems. 

Some such are, 

Overhead costs, maintenance and repair costs as well as related security mechanism costs are very high. There is a certain probability of hacking or breaching of data still. User wise, there is a higher restriction of privacy and limitations when these controls are used. Further, some controls may be error some when factors like external appearance of a user changes slightly. 

Also, in a similar way false accepts of wrong users happen from time to time, based on the technology used. 

Further Readings  

1. Biometric Access Control vs Standard Access Control

2. Advantages and disadvantages of biometrics

..