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Biometric
safes are ones that use a biometric scanner to
grant access. A biometric scanner is a locking device that
grants access based on some uniquely identifiable physical
attribute, such as the pattern of the iris or retina in
the eye, handprint, or fingerprint. Biometric safes use
fingerprint scanners for convenience, security, and safety.
Eye scanners would not be very convenient, and although
completely safe, some people would object to having their
eye scanned by a laser.
Using biometric
safes is the height of simplicity? You simply
press a button to "wake up" the scanner from low-power
mode, and place your index finger on the scanner for about
a second. Your finger is scanned by a laser similar to the
ones used in grocery stores to scan the barcodes on your
groceries. Using a special software algorithm, the scanner
converts the pattern of the fingerprint into a unique number.
If this number matches one of the numbers stored in the
scanner, the safe is unlocked. All of this takes place in
a matter of seconds.
Biometric
safes have a number of distinct advantages over
traditional mechanical or electronic locks. They are totally
secure - only an authorized fingerprint can open the safe.
This requires the physical presence of the authorized person.
A combination or pin number written down and misplaced can
result in unauthorized access to a traditional safe - this
cannot happen with a biometric safe. Another advantage is
convenience. No keys or little slips of paper to keep up
with, no combination or pin number to remember. Plus, it's
easy to authorize access to multiple users - just place
the scanner in program mode and have them place their finger
on the scanner.
I mentioned earlier that you have to be physically present
to open biometric
safes. That's a good thing, right? Well, there
are a couple of situations where this might pose a problem.
Say, for example that you are out of town and need access
to information contained in your safe. With a traditional
safe, you could call a friend or associate and give them
the combination or pin number, allowing them to open the
safe and provide the information you need. Then when you
get back in town you can change the combination for safety's
sake. You can't do this with a biometric safe if yours is
the only fingerprint that has been enrolled - you have to
physically be there with your finger to open the safe. The
same type of situation could come up if you were incapacitated
or died suddenly - your loved ones or business associates
would not be able to access your safe. There are a couple
of simple solutions to this problem.
One is to give some trusted friend or associate access
to the safe when you first acquire it. Then, in an emergency,
this person can open the safe for you. The safe itself provides
another solution. Most models of biometric
safes can be opened with a special key that is
unique to that safe. The opening for the key is usually
hidden under a logo or nameplate that has to be removed
in order to use the key.
Biometric
safes represent the best in a marriage between
security and technology. They are highly secure, convenient
and cost-effective when compared to other electronic safes.
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