Biometrics is now both an affordable and practical option for homeowners. It refers to the practice of using unique physical or behavioral characteristics of an individual as proof that they are indeed who they claim to be. For example, your fingerprint can verify your identity. It has become a common practice, especially in office spaces, but it has now made its way into homes as well. But is it the right choice for everyone? Let’s explore the pros and cons of biometric security for smart homes.
Let’s begin by breaking down what biometric security is. Consider the traditional lock and key; now, replace the lock with smart locks and the key with things that make you unique—like your fingerprints, face, or even the way you speak—to unlock it. If we look at the word “biometric,” it is the combination of “bio,” referring to anything related to living organisms, like humans or animals, and “metric,” referring to a system or method of measuring something. So, in terms of security, it refers to measuring unique features of a living person—like their fingerprints, face, or voice—to identify or verify their identity.
Common authentication methods include:
To put it in a nutshell, it’s all about using your own biology to prove to smart locks that “hey, it really is me!”.
Starting on a more positive note, let’s take a look at all the benefits, or Pros, of biometric security:
Let’s talk about the sheer convenience factor of biometric security. In a smart home, one of the top three agendas, it’s fair to assume, is convenience. With smart home devices like smart locks, all you need to do is scan your fingerprint or show your face to gain access. There’s no need to carry any keys or deal with the frustration of not recalling a password or passkey.
Biometric security is more than just a gimmick; it is supposed to be the evolution of traditional locking systems. There is no master key or wiring possible here, and faking iris scans or fingerprints is no easy feat, as all of them are unique to you, making it nearly impossible for someone to replicate them. So, naturally, the chances of break-ins are lowered significantly.
With a traditional system, an individual can attempt to break in as many times as possible, and you, the homeowner, might not even be aware of it (unless you have cameras). With a combination of smart home devices and smart locks that use biometrics, you will be informed instantly if someone tries to make unauthorized access attempts.
Now, let’s talk about the issues surrounding biometric security:
One of the biggest downsides of using biometric security is simply the issue of privacy that comes attached to it. Biometrics use your unique physical features, like your fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition; and all this data, as this technology works, needs to be stored and used. The fear that hackers can gain access to one’s biometric information and use it for theft or fraud is one shared amongst many individuals. However, companies that offer these services invest a lot into protecting this data and store it using the best-in-industry security measures.
The initial investment of setting up smart locks with biometric features or upgrading existing systems can be quite an investment. For proper installation, maintenance, and knowing where corners can and cannot be cut, make use of tech support services.
Biometric systems depend heavily on technology, and technology can sometimes experience glitches. It is possible that they may fail to recognize you, especially in poor lighting or if your fingerprint is damaged. This can lead to false negatives, where you’re locked out of your home or system. On the flip side, some systems may mistakenly recognize an unauthorized person, which can lead to false positives. However, this hardly ever happens. Studies show that the success rate for biometrics is more than 98%, and a failure rate of 1% under controlled trials is a great result. Any issues that may arise can be addressed with the help of tech support services.
Biometrics are here to stay, and the tech behind it only gets more accurate and secure as the days pass. Their ease of use and “X factor” means they are likely to only grow in popularity and become a part of every household eventually, similar to how we find them in all our portable devices now like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With the help of tech support services, you can have your entire home equipped with biometric security and throw away the keys once and for all.
I’m a Nerd and very proud of it! I love to write about anything Tech related. Subscribe to our blog for helpful tips, tricks & news.
