What is a Biometric access card?
The biometric access card is an electronic security device that uses our body parts such as fingerprints, retina, iris, etc to control the access to the premises of the company. Biometric-contactless access control technologies are becoming increasingly popular in companies around the world. While contactless biometrics is gaining traction, many businesses are still unable to make the transition. The expense and infrastructure requirements of replacing RFID readers with biometric readers are the primary reasons.
The biometric access card is a way to improve an RFID identification system without having to replace the RFID reader. Instead of changing the readers, biometric access cards are used to replace the RFID tags.
How does a Biometric access card work?
RFID and fingerprint scanning technology are combined in the biometric access card. A fingerprint scanner will be placed in each of the RFID ID tags issued. The fingerprint scanner will validate the cardholder while the RFID technology connects with the reader. As a result, when an employee is enrolled, his or her fingerprint must be registered on the card. Each time the cardholder attempts to verify at the access control device, the fingerprint template will be stored in the card’s chip and will vary with the sensor.
The new biometric system will function similarly to the existing RFID system. The sole difference is that while using the ID, cardholders must scan their fingerprints on the fingerprint sensor. Only if the fingerprint matches the template will the card transfer the credential required to gain access from the reader.
Biometric access cards work in the same way that biometric payment cards do. When the RFID card comes into contact with the RFID reader’s electromagnetic field, it will activate. The energy obtained from the electromagnetic field powers both the chip and the fingerprint sensor. The transfer of data to the RFID reader is triggered by valid fingerprint authentication, and access is granted.
Biometric security in access cards
The fingerprint template that is embedded in the card will never be removed. The fingerprint biometrics are only necessary to allow permission for your credential to be transferred from the card to the reader. This means that under no circumstances will the card transmit biometric data. The smart card, on the other hand, must include both physical and logical security features. Faraday cage implementation, light detection, attack detection, scrambled memory addressing, and other features are included. The ISO 15683 standard must be followed when creating the card.
Types of access in Biometrics
In the realm of biometrics, a biometric technology, such as fingerprint identification, can be used for two types of access. There are two types of access entry: physical and logical. To unlock a door with the former, one can actually do away with the traditional key entirely. Controlling who or what has access to restricted areas is the goal of both physical and logical access control. However, logical access control is only used if a person’s identity has been confirmed. Based on the identity matching that was established before, access is granted or prohibited. Physical access control, on the other hand, restricts pedestrian traffic to certain buildings, rooms, and other tangible assets. This form of security also keeps track of who enters and exits restricted areas. Physical access control systems are being used by a growing number of major and small businesses.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometric Access Card
Advantages of Biometric Access Card
- High levels of security and confidence – Biometric identification helps authenticate identity by providing answers to “something a person possesses and is.”
- It’s simple and quick.
- Non-transferable
- Biometrics are difficult to bypass
- Maximizes Convenience
- Scalability and flexible
- Complete Data Accuracy
Disadvantages of Biometric Access Card
- High cost
- Scanner Issues
- Can’t control remotely
- Data breaches issues are there in biometric access cards- Biometric databases can be hacked
- Fake Positives
- The authentication system only recognizes the qualities that were entered, and if the user’s physical characteristics alter even slightly, the system will fail to recognize them.