Biometric Authentication

Posted by :Dominic Schwebs On : November 2, 2011
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Category: high security locks, Home Security Systems, Safes and Vaults

My father carries around a giant key chain with keys for the house, office, cars, shed, garage, boat, and a key for his gun cabinet. Mind you, I know better than to suggest that he replace even one lock with a biometric (electric) lock, but as I review the latest generation of these locks I am tempted to at least replace his house and gun cabinet locks with a good biometric lock.

The term biometric authentication refers to the methods for uniquely recognizing humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical traits. In computer science, in particular, biometrics is used as a form of identity access management and access control. Fingerprint recognition is a subset of biometric authentication and was first used thousands of years ago as a signature on clay tablets. The real art of fingerprint pattern analysis picked up momentum in the early 19th century when law enforcement used fingerprints to identify criminal suspects. In 1905 the US Army began using fingerprints and later that year the U.S. Department of Justice forms the Bureau of Criminal Identification in Washington, DC to provide a centralized reference collection of fingerprint cards.

The adoption of computer based fingerprint analysis systems in the early 1990s by several federal law enforcement groups gave the green light to millions of dollars in funding research into commercial applications of fingerprint recognition. So, 20 years of research and development has delivered this last generation of fingerprint authentication locks and devices that are a remarkable combination security and convenience.

In addition to fingerprint recognition here are just a few biometric authentication processes used in commercial and private security devices:

Facial Recognition

Iris Recognition

Retinal Scans

Voice Analysis

Vein Matching

DNA Matching

And just for fun here are a few movies with examples of these biometric authentication devices:

Minority Report, Gattaca, Demolition Man, Angels and Demons.

Restricted Keyways

Posted by :Dominic Schwebs On : September 29, 2011
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Category: high security locks, Locksmithing

No matter how many security levels your provide for your business there is one primary risk that can compromise even the best master security plan…  a copy of your master key.    Right now you might say, “I have control of my keys because it has ‘Do Not Copy’ stamped on them.”   Unfortunately, “Do Not Copy” is just a polite request and does not prohibit copying.

For real peace of mind you need to consider purchasing a high security locking system (with restricted keyway) for your  business.    A restricted key can only be duplicated by the issuing vendor and you control the owner’s key order card.   When you request a duplicate key the locksmith should validate  the signature on the card and validate the identity of the person ordering the key from a signed photo identification.   There are variations and security levels of this process, but the basic technique is usually the same.

Our trained security consultants can explain all of your options and help you decide of the level of security you wish to achieve.

Exterior Security

Posted by :Dominic Schwebs On : September 29, 2011
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Category: high security locks

As a manager of a business you are responsible for security of your premises.   When you finally have time to talk to a security expert you might be surprised with the range of questions that you need to consider.    One aspect of a premises security review is the analysis of your exterior locks and doors.   How secure are your doors from forced entry?   Can your locks withstand picking and shimming?  Can duplicate keys be made for locks?   What is the construction of door and door frames?   Can covers to locks be removed and tampered with?

At this moment it is important to remember the old idiom:  “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”   Clearly preventing burglary is the goal… but what about discouraging burglary?

Here are just a few of the products that you should consider:

  • Tamper resistant locks
  • Tamper resistant lock covers
  • Heavy duty, Grade 1 mortise lock (the type containing a deadbolt)
  • Key-in-knob locks that cannot be easily opened by slipping a credit card between the bolt and the door jamb
  • Construction of the door itself …should be 2″ to 2.5″
  • Door frames should have a minimal thickness of a 4″x4″ with stud and the bolt protrusion of  2″.”
  • Restricted keyways (keys that only registered companies own)

There are hundreds of effective ideas that can help prevent and discourage burglary and other forced entry crimes.  Come talk to one of our security consultants who will help you meet and exceed industry security standards.

High Security Locks vs Normal Locks

Posted by :Dominic Schwebs On : March 1, 2010
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Category: high security locks, Locksmithing, Medeco

Tags:, , , ,

Why should you choose High Security locks for your home or office? Because High Security locks offer you peace of mind through key control and increased protection.

Every High Security lock system installed by Allied Fire & Security can give you a patented keyway that is protected and cannot be duplicated by unauthorized people. Allied registers every restricted key system made in our lockshops with signatures and letters of authorization from system owners. Only the people you have designated are approved to duplicate your keys.

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