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Biometrics

Biometrics is a technology to identify people based on their unique physical and behavioral traits.

The major techniques used in Biometry include palm & fingerprint reading, iris & retina scanning and voice & face recognition, of which fingerprint reading represents the oldest and best established.

Biometric identification systems

Biometric systems are generally classified by the industry in two major categories:

Morphological or physiological biometry

Behavioral biometry

Morphological biometry is based on the identification of particular physical traits that are unique and permanent to every person. This category includes; Fingerprints, hand form, face form, iris and retina scan. The Security industry is predominated by morphological biometric solutions

Behavioural biometry is based on the analysis of the unique traits of each person e.g. their signature or their voice pattern. Biological biometry is another sub category that deals with the study of biological traces, like DNA, blood and odor analysis and is fast catching up in the security segment where high-level protection is required.

Biometric Access Control Systems

Biometric Access Control Systems are extensively used in the security industry integrating with other authentication applications and technologies. By being linked to other security identification techniques like password authentication or proximity cards, Biometric Systems speed up the recognition process and provide an extra defense

Biometric technology measures and analyses unique physical demographics to create a unique template that can be electronically stored and retrieved for verification.

Why Biometric Access controls systems?

Biometrics offers significant advantages over other access control systems due to the fact that commonly used passwords and pin codes can readily be compromised

Biometrics need not be considered in isolation as it easily integrates with existing access control techniques, adding an extra layer of security.

Biometric fingerprint authentication system

A fingerprint authentication system is a method to confirm a person’s authenticity by analyzing the minute ridge formations or patterns found on the fingertips.

The technique is assumed to be accurate as fingerprint patterns of individuals are unique, immutable, difficult to reproduce and time invariant (remain unchanged throughout a lifetime).

What is a Biometric Fingerprint Access Control System?

A Biometric Fingerprint Access Control System corresponds to the best-known technique of biometric authentication. The system employs automated capture, measurement and real time identification of a fingerprint

The scanner captures the miniature features of the fingerprint and generates a unique template and stores it in a database for later reference. For verification a powerful search algorithm is then deployed to scan through the database for a match before access is authorized. Authentication is established via either identification or verification mode where the system employs a 1:N and 1:1 search respectively. In almost all modern automated authentication systems, verification mode (1:1) is employed.

What is BIO'X?

BIO'X is XPR’s automated Fingerprint identification sytem. The BIO'X reader detects automatically the presence of a finger on its sensor and instantaneously compares the fingerprint against existing fingerprint templates stored in its database. .

To provide an added security BIO'X can operate together with PIN codes and Proximity cards. Typically the BIO'X can be deployed and managed through a network when combined with XPR’s O2LA access control system .

By keeping False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate to a minimal, the BIO'X delivers accuracy .

Also it addresses higher security concerns because it authenticates via dual operation modes – So-called One-to-many Identification (1:N) and One-to-one Verification (1:1) modes .

What is Access Control?

The enforcement of specified authorization rules based on positive identification of users and the systems or data they are permitted to access. Therefore an 'access control' system is just another name for a 'security system' or a 'permissions' system .

The primary objective of access control is to preserve and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, systems, and resources .

Access controls are nearly always based on authenticity and identification. The term "identification" literally means the systems ability to recognize a user. The term “authentication” means the process used by the system to recognize a user .

Authentication can be based on four different principals as follows

Something you do: The way you use a keyboard or the speed with which you type can be verified for authentication. This type of authentication is often weak and should be avoided.

Something you know:This can be either/or passwords, pass phrases, pin numbers or secret questions. This relies on the ability of the user to keep the access data secret and also to retain it when and if required. Forgetting a password can sometimes have dire consequences.

Something you are: Fingerprint scanning, retina or facial recognition or other authentication methods based on body parts are all examples of this type of system of which fingerprint reading is the oldest and most established.

Something you have: A typical example of a low-tech implementation of this is a padlock and key. The key is something you have that authenticates you and allows you to open a padlock. In modern times the key has been replaced with smart cards, ATM cards etc

What are Access Control Devices?

Access control devices identify people, and verify their identity through an authentication process. Typical access control systems can prevent unauthorized access to computer systems, rooms or buildings, and even broadcast signals .

Good access control systems record and timestamp all transactions so that access to systems and information can be audited at later dates. Reputable access control systems offer authentication, authorization, and administration. .

Basic access control systems can be something as simple as coded locks or card readers. However, more sophisticated access control systems can contain fingerprint readers, facial recognition, or complicated lasers, cameras and security devices .

Access Control Technologies

Tokens: These are unique hand held electronic devices or cards that supply a user's access code

Cards:These are usually made of plastic and have integrated circuits embedded in them. They may be credit card sized or may even be more like a fob on a key ring. It may have to be swiped through a slot in the reader or merely placed in proximity of the reader. Hands free cards can be read from a fair distance away. Smart cards with integrated circuits that can execute transactions are often referred to as "active" smart cards. Cards with memory receptacles that simply store information (such as an ATM bank card) are referred to as "passive."

Encrypted keys:These are mathematical algorithms that are used to secure confidential information and verify the authenticity of the people sending and receiving the information

Password:A password is nothing else but a secret number given exclusively to the user that has to be remembered if and when required

Pass phrases:These are similar to passwords but they are generally longer in length. They can vary from a couple of sentences long or a whole paragraph. Pass phrases offer stronger security then passwords but they should not be too easy to guess or they could easily be compromised.

Biometrics:Biometrics is a technology to identify people based on their unique physical and behavioral traits. The major techniques used in Biometry include palm & fingerprint reading, iris & retina scanning and voice & face recognition, of which fingerprint reading represents the oldest and best established.

Major components of an Access Control System

Reader: This is what identifies the person to the controller, by reading the card and sending its unique identity.Two readers may be required on some installations – either to enforce anti pass-back rules or to monitor everyone’s whereabouts. But this only works if turnstiles are used.Note: Anti Pass-back: After a card has been used to gain access to an area, it cannot be used again for a given time or until the card has been used to leave the area

Controller: Controllers may be built-in to a reader or be physically separate from it. Separate controllers may control one door or several. See “types of system” later for guidance on how to choose which is best.

Software:Software provides a means of programming cards and setting the rules for the system – normally this information is sent to the controllers so that it is they who make the decisions.
These rules are also stored in a database on the computer so that;
1.You can see what has been programmed and
2.If a failed controller has to be replaced then it can be re-loaded with the necessary information
Software will normally also monitor the system, record events (e.g. who has gone through which door and when) and save the information so that reports can be printed at a later stage.
Normally, these events can be viewed in “real-time” so that user movements can be monitored.

Lock:There are different kinds of locks- electric strikes, bolts, magnetic locks, turnstiles or barriers. Magnetic locks have become very popular as they provide rapid solutions in a wide variety of circumstances – often without the need for major surgery to the doorframe or pre-existing “furniture”.
There are two types: face-to-face for outward opening doors and shear locks for inward opening and swing doors. These locks are available in a range of strengths and designs.

Types of System

Intelligent readers:Intelligent readers are nothing but a combined reader/controller providing a convenient all-in-one package that can be installed quickly to control access at a single door.
There is a security risk involved with these products in that the controlling electronics are found on the insecure side of the door, and therefore open to attack

Separate Controllers: When protecting a single door, fitting a controller on the secure side of the door is easily the best solution. No matter how the reader is attacked, the door will not open.
For multiple door situations, there are controllers that can each control several doors. This can represent cost savings because there is only one controller. It can also be more convenient because programming cards for multiple doors is a single action.
Intelligent readers and separate controllers fall into the category of “stand-alone” systems because they do not need a computer and software to mange and monitor them

Networked systems:Computer-linked networked systems should be considered where any of the following apply:
1.More than one stand-alone system would have to be installed to secure a number of doors (In such cases you would otherwise have to perform programming operations at multiple locations)
2.There are more than just a couple of different combinations of access rights(Imagine the complexity of programming a 20-door stand-alone system where some people are allowed through all doors, some through some of the doors.)
3.More than one person can be expected to administer different aspects of the system (Multiple workstations make this easy and convenient)
4.A remote site needs to be controlled and monitored (Either dial-up modems or a permanent network connection can be utilized)

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