What is biometrics? And what can the technology do for your business?
What comes to mind when you think of biometric technology? Futuristic retina scans that offer access to top secret labs or doomsday robots that can register the faces of their enemies have existed in science fiction for more than 60 years, but what about something a little closer to home? In today’s digital age, biometrics are no longer the imaginative work of cinema. The use of biometric data is more integrated into our lives than you may have realised.
Almost
81% of phones have built-in biometric capabilities, allowing users increased security for their personal information by requiring biometric data such as a fingerprint - or facial scan - to unlock the screen or certain apps. But where else can biometric technology be used, and can it help to streamline your business operations?
Read on to learn more about the biometrics industry and how this technology can lead to a more automated, optimised business.
What is biometrics?
Biometrics are measurable biological characteristics, usually a physical feature like a fingerprint or combination of facial features, that are used for automated recognition. The technology is able to ‘recognise’ your identity in order to allow access to a place, product or service.
A biometric device is typically made up of three components:
- A reader device such as a camera
- The technology used to convert and compare biometric data
- A database for storage
There are three major biometric identifiers:
- Biological biometrics - this is the use of biological characteristics on a molecular level such as DNA which can be retrieved using a fluid sample which can include blood or spit.
- Morphological biometrics - these are the physical characteristics of the body including retina detection, fingerprint scans and mapping of the face. This is perhaps one of the most prevalent forms of biometric identification on the market today.
- Behavioural biometrics - this is based on the unique patterns of each individual and encompasses an expansive list of activities. From the way a person walks or speaks, to a person’s mouse or finger movements to their website and social media engagement patterns.
Just as a security guard might look at your face and compare it to a form of physical identification to decide you are really who you say you are, a biometric device offers a similar service without the need for human interaction. The process can considerably streamline the user experience, without compromising on your business’ need to verify who your customer is.
What are biometrics used for?
Biometrics are used in a variety of industries, with the overarching benefit being a streamlined approach to proof of identity. Two of these key sectors are the access control for buildings, areas and phones and age estimation uses such as in retail, cinema and age-restricted services.
Developments in cyber security should mirror the advances of hackers. Passwords can be retrieved by hackers and can be part of data leaks. Similarly, keycards and keys are equally as vulnerable to theft, easily lost and used by another person. Biometrics aim to tackle this issue by using proof of identity. You can use biometrics as your sole security system or use it in unison with existing security systems that use keys or keycards, adding an additional layer of security as a two-factor authentication where an employee’s face can be linked to a keycard or a passcode.
At Innovative Technology, we offer non-invasive biometric access control and age estimation solutions that are in compliance with GDPR. None of our age estimation products store data from customers whatsoever and, just like our access control system, all data is processed locally on the device without the need for the internet so that it cannot be intercepted by hackers or scammers. Our access control security solutions store data in the form of a face ID, similar to that of a smartphone that has biometric access control features.
How can biometrics help you estimate age?
Ensuring your customer is who they say they are is essential to the success of any business. This is especially true of businesses dealing in age-restricted goods and services, including:
- Supermarkets and off licences
- Cinemas
- Casinos or betting shops
- Restaurants and bars
Selling age-restricted goods or services to minors has harmful consequences for both the customer and your business, resulting in potential danger for the customer as well as the possibility of legal action against your company.
In the UK, the
Trading Standards state potential penalties as:
| Product | Age requirement | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 18 | £5000 |
| Cigarettes and tobacco based products | 18 | £2,500 |
| E-cigarettes and vaping products | 18 | £2,500 |
| Fireworks and sparklers | 18 | £5000 or/and term of imprisonment of up to 6 months |
| Party poppers/caps/cracker snaps | 16 | £5000 or/and term of imprisonment of up to 6 months |
| Knives (excluding a folding pcket knife with a blade of less than 3 inches and a razer blade where the blade has less than 2mm exposed) | 18 | £5000 or/and term of imprisonment of up to 6 months |
| Bookmakers (Gambling Act 2005) | 18 | £5000 or 51 weeks imprisonment |
Biometrics can be used to streamline and validate the identity estimation process. Age estimation devices such as
MyCheckr are ready to use for a quick increase to both efficiency and accuracy of your age checks.
MyCheckr accurately estimates if a customer is above the age of 25, flashing green if the customer is estimated to be of the appropriate age and allowing them to continue their transaction. If the technology believes a customer to be underage, the screen flashes red to alert the cashier that a manual ID check is recommended. It helps to speed up the purchase process for customers who are of age, improving the customer experience, while also adding an extra level of authority for cashiers needing to ask for ID.
The technology used in MyCheckr - and our plug-in device,
ICU Lite - has been independently tested by the
Age Check Certification Association (ACCS), so you can rely on its average underestimation of just 0.19 years to help you estimate age with confidence.
How can biometrics improve your access control?
Biometrics are beginning to be incorporated within businesses already. Citibank has started to use voice recognition as part of their authentication system, and Halifax is testing devices that monitor their customers’ heartbeat to verify identity. And it’s not just banks - Ford is considering using biometric sensors in cars as an alternative to keys.
Biometrics have also already been adopted as a tool to enhance security through border control. In the USA, e-Passports have a chip containing a digital photo of a person’s face, fingerprint or iris. It includes technology that prevents the chip from being read and the data from being skimmed by unauthorised data readers to help keep data secured.
At Innovative Technology, we have developed a biometric solution to control access to buildings and spaces. The use of biometric technology for access control benefits not only from a security perspective, but also helps more accurately track attendance, automate shift patterns and much more.
It is ideal for companies who have offices over multiple sites as it can monitor activity remotely, allowing the company to more effectively manage each site. Restricted access can be assigned for particular areas of the building as well as the building itself. Having access restrictions on areas where heavy machinery is stored, for example, helps reduce incidents in the workplace as only those trained to use the machinery will have access to that area.
ICU Pro has world-leading accuracy and does not require any internet connection, so your employees will never encounter restriction difficulties based on poor connectivity. All information is locally processed to ensure the quickest reaction times, and data is neither stored nor transferred so there is no risk of data breaches or GDPR implications.
Innovative Technology promises a high level of security without invading privacy.
Learn more about how our cutting-edge technology can help your business.
Are you ready to join the biometrics revolution?
The advent of biometrics has allowed more in-depth security checks than ever before, without compromising on privacy. This groundbreaking technology is set to streamline our future and offer improved processes for the smooth running of everyday operations.
With one-off cost options, simple installations the biometrics range from Innovative Technology is the perfect place to start your journey into a more secure, safe and streamlined business.
To find out more about how our solutions can work for your company,
speak to our expert team today.
