biometric locks

[gazzaull25]

hi there all, just a question on biometric locks has any 1 fitted 1? are they reliable ? and would it be safe just to have a biometric lock on the door as the only security?
thanks in advance
gary

[UWSDWF]

there are alot of differnt schools of thought on this...

1. where is this lock going to be?
2. why a biometric lock (to monitor who accesses the lock or simply don't want to use keys.)
3. what are you (or type of thing) trying to protect?
4. is the lock you are looking at have a back up source for power or a manual override?
5. what brand/model/company is the lock?

answer these and our answers might be a little better

[arris]

we got some safes in at work wich are biometric, 1st thaughts is that its a lil prone to not work id guess, but has key over ride,

the one we have is more novelty and not high standards..

[linty]

i've dealt with ekey fingerprint reader before (the model is TOCA i think). it retails for about 850 canadian. it works okay but often won't recognize my print because i've usually got some scratches or cuts on my fingertips, although because it scans thermally grease on my fingers doesn't have much of an effect. it is a little slow on the processing side (seems like it takes a good second or so even though it's database is only 1/3 full)
most importantly, i've seen it false positive once.

Even the company themselves admit that this product isn't reliable enough to be used on its own and suggest that it be used as access control in an area where there are already other measures to limit access, such as a critical area in a lab or hospital.

i have no experience with other forms of biometrics but my opinion is that from what i've seen practical fingerprint biometrics is still a few years off.

[mrdan]

Anyone ever seen the Mythbusters episode where Jamie and Adam trick the Uber lock from hell that the factory claimed it has never been and could never be foiled.

They did it several times using several techniques. Kind of an embarassment to the lock manufaturer eh?

[mrdan]

ha-ha the software edited my post where I said the Uber lock from heck, I didn't know that was a banned word. Sorry

[Double_Chin]

My brother advised me that biometeric locks and biometeric scanners in general are quite easy to foil. I have one on my laptop, but I don't really trust it much. Also, I, like mrdan, saw the mythbusters where they fooled that amazing biometeric lock. That really brings into question how secure they are.

My concern would be someone defacing the scanner. They are fairly delicate pieces of equipment and a frustrated thief may just bash the sensor and break it. Then, I'd have a $500 door stop. They are sooooo expensive.

J

[gazzaull25]

hi there thanks for the replys it was for a main front door of a house for some reason thats what the guy wants coz his friend is always losing his keys. Im going to do a qoute 2morro so will try and putt him off but if i cant theres is no other option apart from a digital door lock or other access control ie swip card or prox tags and mag locks!!!

[linty]

there are also residential door locks that open by remote, same as many cars nowadays, i'd choose that over a residential grade digital lock.

and don't forget mechanical push-button locks. they're pricey but also something i'd put ahead of the cheap keypad locks.