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As the criminal element becomes savvier, securing one's dwelling is a growing concern worldwide. Home security is one of the easiest ways to protect our family members and our possessions and is a basic component of neighborhood watch. Home security is your best defense in protecting your property and is a never ending task. No matter how progressive the security system, anyone can steal a set of keys, find out a PIN number or fake and steal an ID badge. Only biometrics ensures that your security system is truly fraud-free and effective.
Biometrics is the science of using part of a person's body to identify them. The operator uses personal characteristics that are unique to them and cannot be forgotten, lost or stolen. This science measures physiological or behavioral characteristics that verify a person's identity. They include fingerprints, retinal and iris scanning, hand geometry, voice patterns, facial recognition and other techniques. Typically, fingerprint recognition is the technology now often deployed in the home. What once seemed to be a very expensive implement for the wealthy is being used by every day homeowners to protect their American dream. Biometrics is fast becoming the most important new security tool available and some in the industry say that with biometrics you get ten times the security at one-tenth the cost of other systems as secure. A nationwide survey by Columbia University reported that 83 percent of those surveyed approved of finger imaging.
Homecoming
There are some easy to install, reliable and secure systems on the market today for home use. For instance, Kwikset, a division of Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement Group based in Lake Forest, Calif., has the BioLock SmartScan (Smart Scan) biometric fingerprint scanning deadbolt lockset. It has personalized access that is user-friendly with a biometrically accessible fingerprint deadbolt lock system, made possible through sophisticated engineering. The powered deadbolt is activated by swiping a valid fingerprint. In addition, the biometrics firm Sequiam Corp., Orlando, recently launched a fingerprint security system called the BioLock. This system is designed to be used on almost any door, providing security for ordinary homes where the users simply press their fingers against a hidden reader. It is inconspicuous, resembling a standard deadbolt lock on the outside of the door.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year, biometrics had its place in the spotlight proving again the technology is moving to mainstream. The BD1 (Biometric Deadbolt Lock) from BioAxxis, Syracuse, N.Y., received the prestigious design and engineering CES Innovations Award. The BioAxxis BD1's optical sensor does not require numerous finger swipes across the sensor to activate the lock. The BD1 performs reliably in any outdoor weather condition and is 100 percent weatherproof. The BioAxxis BD1's artisan design and all-metal body looks beautiful indoors and outdoors — no cheap plastic components are used on this lock.
Patrick Conway, president of BioAxxis said, "Consumers demand quality and convenience when buying a biometric lock. They want it to work and perform reliably. That is why we will not incorporate frustrating swipe sensors into our lock designs simply to offer a cheaper price to the market. Quality and performance are far too important."
Everyone cares about protecting their family and their belongings. We see images on the news about home invasions and burglaries and we appreciate the need for more specialized tools. Fingerprint biometric technology can secure your residence and eliminate the nightmare of shared, lost or stolen keys. The competitive pricing makes it more available for the average homeowner to keep their family safe and give them something that money cannot buy: peace of mind.
author: By Ileene-Marie Mooney