In a long hallway, the figure of a suit-clad man approaches. The man looks cautiously from side to side, and slips into a concealed room. After neatly dispatching two security guards (using only his hands), he discovers a hidden safe underneath a desk. Whipping out a complicated gadget, he quickly cracks the safe, and removes an ordinary-looking black briefcase. Taking the briefcase in hand, he slinks out of the door, making a dramatic escape with hundreds of security guards in chase. After speeding away in a bullet-ridden sports utility vehicle, he quickly snaps open the briefcase, viewing its invaluable contents.
The scene described above is often seen in Hollywood films, as “vital information” always seems to be concealed in ordinary-looking black briefcases. While not everyone is carting around valuable government secrets in their briefcase, the subject of briefcase security has recently gotten a fair amount of attention. Here are a few biometric briefcases that are worthy of James Bond himself!
Hammacher Schlemmer’s Biometric Briefcase
The company “Hammacher Schlemmer” released a product marketed as the “only biometric business case”, which was a metal case (complete with handle and wheels) that could be only opened by scanning the owner’s fingerprint. This case could be purchased for the bargain price of only $1,100. Though this particular briefcase is no longer available on Hammacher Schlemmer’s company website, other companies have quickly adopted the biometric briefcase trend.
“Made from high-density, flexible polycarbonate, the hard-sided business case withstands 250 lb./ft. of force and reverts to its original shape, thwarting cracks or dents and protecting what’s inside.” - From Hammacher Schlemmer’s Company Website
Chinavasion’s “Infinite Coolness” Fingerprint Briefcase
The company Chinavasion has recently announced their own version of the biometric briefcase, which has a current retail price of around $388. Chinavasion’s briefcase allows for up to twelve registered users, with two users having “admin rights” (to add/remove permissions for other users). Each user with a biometric fingerprint can store two separate fingerprints in their profile. On the company’s website, this briefcase is listed as having “Infinite Coolness”, “Beauty” and “Brains”.
“What really sets this briefcase apart from the rest is biometric fingerprint security functionality which keeps all your valuables safe! Slide the latch sideways to expose the fingerprint panel. Lightly press your finger against it, and the latches open to give you access to your stock certificates, Swiss Bank statements, blueprints for world domination, etc. ” - From Chinavasion’s Company Website
Underwood Biometric Lock Briefcase
Unlike some other biometric briefcases, the Underwood model is priced only for those with an hefty budget. This biometric briefcase has an average retail price of around $12,000! According to the company website, it is marketed as being used for transporting expensive jewelry, watches, sensitive documents and precious gemstones. It has the ability to store up to 90 different registered users, and does not store the scanned fingerprints as images (which further increases its security). One of the main marketable features of this case is its “attractiveness”, and “sleek design”.
“In keeping with the Underwood philosophy of luxurious elegant design, the Biometric lock system has allowed us to develop a sleek design without the need for obtrusive metal locks on the outside of the case…With this system the fingerprint is not stored as an actual image but is coded and transferred into a mathematical algorithm, whereby only certain points of the fingerprint are registered.” – From the Pianki Company Website
Related posts:
- What is a Biometric Safe, and How Does it Work?
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...
