Keeping valuable items secure has always been a very important part of home security. Documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards, financial account info and stock certificates need to be protected against theft, fire, flood or other disasters. To protect important items, more people are choosing to install safes in their home. With today’s advancements in security technology, however, there are now many different options for security safes. Biometric safes are rapidly becoming more accessible to homeowners, which provides a level of enhanced security for valuable items. Here is a general guide to biometric safes, and how they work.
What is a Biometric Safe?
Biometric safes are secure places that are protected by using biometric technology to prevent unauthorized access. Many people mistakenly believe that a biometric safe is only able to use fingerprint identification to allow access. However, the term “Biometric Safe” can also apply to safes that are activated by voice authorization, DNA scans, iris scans, full hand-print scans and facial recognition scans. Fingerprint safes are the most widely used, since they have become in a cost bracket that is potentially affordable for some consumers.
How Does a Biometric Safe Work?
Upon purchasing biometric safes, you will need to go through a programming process. In this process, you will allow it to store identification information about individuals who are allowed to access it. In relation to a fingerprint scanner, you will need to scan your fingerprint in order for the system to store it for future recognition.
How is Recognition Data Stored?
Once the biometric system that operates the safe has scanned the access information during the programming process, it then stores this information for future access. However, this data is not stored in the method that you might think. A biometric system does not store an “image” of your fingerprint, hand-print or iris. Instead, it converts the access data into a complicated code, or a detailed graph. The system then uses this graph or code to compare against future access information that is entered into the safe.
What are the Components of a Biometric Safe?
The biometric system in safes have three main components, which all work together to process, store and authorize entry into it. These three components are:
- Software: In order for the access information to be authorized and identified, it needs to be translated into a language that the computer can read.
- Computer: The computer in it is able to store and read access information.
- Sensor: The sensor scans and detects the identification information entered into it.
Are Biometric Safes Effective?
Biometric technology is thought to be responsible for some of the most enhanced security features available today. Features of a person such as fingerprints, voice and iris characteristics are extremely effective when used in security identification. Many biometric safes may use a combination of biometric technology with a combination lock, key entry or other types of security authorization. Security technology is progressing to the point in which we are able to gain more control over who has access to our personal information and important items.
Is a Biometric Safe Right for Me?
Biometric safes are often very secure, and will be effective in protecting important items or documents. However, the main downside to biometric safes is that they are still slightly expensive. For example, a 14″ x 14″ biometric safe can cost from $450 – $550, depending on retailer and extra features. However, if you are looking for a high-security safe in which to store sensitive documents, you may decide that the cost is worth the extra security.
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