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 | 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel Black |  |  | US $44.95 | 18d 21h 25m |
 | 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel White | | 22 Bids | US $35.44 | 3h 45m |
 | Portable 12X9 Keypad Safe Hand Gun Pistol Drawer Keyless Digital Electronic Lock | | | US $60.95 | 1d 6h 26m |
 | HS-1750E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $2,599.00 | 28d 21h 10m |
 | 1.6CF LCD Keypad Electronic Digital Safe Home Gun Cash Box Security Keyless Lock | | | US $109.95 | 2d 3h 26m |
 | HS-610E Hollon Office Safe 2 Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $459.00 | 28d 21h |
 | Sargent and Greenleaf S&G 6120 Electronic Keypad Digital Lock Gun Any Safe BLACK | | | US $209.99 | 20d 2h 16m |
 | Portable Keyless Keypad Safe Gun Pistol Digital Electronic Lock Car RV Cash Box | | | US $54.90 | 28d 4h 21m |
 | HS-1600E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $1,656.00 | 28d 21h 10m |
 | HS-880E Hollon Office Safe 2 Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $720.00 | 28d 21h |
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| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel Black | | | US $44.95 | 18d 21h 25m |
| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel White | | 22 Bids | US $35.44 | 3h 45m |
| Sargent and Greenleaf S&G 6120 Electronic Keypad Digital Lock Gun Any Safe BLACK | | | US $209.99 | 20d 2h 16m |
 | S&G 6120 Chrome Electronic Keypad Safe Lock Combo Gun Safe Home Replacement | | | US $180.00 | 29d 21h 49m |
 | Lagard LG Basic II Electronic Keypad Safe Lock Combo Gun Safe Home Replacement | | | US $126.00 | 29d 21h 43m |
 | AMSEC Electronic Digital Keypad ESL10-XL Safe Lock REP Sargent Greenleaf LA GARD | | | US $145.99 | 8d 23h 21m |
 | HDS-2014E Hollon Front Load Cash Depository Drop Safe Keypad Lock | | | US $365.00 | 16d 1h 36m |
 | FB-845E Hollon Home 2hr Fire Burglary Security Office Safe Keypad Lock | | | US $965.00 | 11d 21h 55m |
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Safe Lock Keypad
Need Help With A Sentry-Safe?
I purchased a sentry-safe Model # AV382-1 Class 350-hr safe from a flea market. The safe is open, I have the keys and the keypad battery still beeps.
However no code to lock the safe I paid $ 50.00 for the safe as it is in mint condition and does not look like it was ever pry-ed open.
HOWEVER NO CODE! UGH What was I thinking? Will I ever be able to use this safe or am I a "Stupid Flea Market Shopper / With Good Intentions"??
Somebody Please Help I So Don't Want To Be Out This Money!
if the safe is open, shouldn't it have a reset code?
OR, you can call the manufacturer. They'll come over, plug it in and reset the safe with their laptop.
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| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel Black | | | US $44.95 | 18d 21h 25m |
| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel White | | 22 Bids | US $35.44 | 3h 45m |
| Portable 12X9 Keypad Safe Hand Gun Pistol Drawer Keyless Digital Electronic Lock | | | US $60.95 | 1d 6h 26m |
| HS-1750E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $2,599.00 | 28d 21h 10m |
| 1.6CF LCD Keypad Electronic Digital Safe Home Gun Cash Box Security Keyless Lock | | | US $109.95 | 2d 3h 26m |
| HS-610E Hollon Office Safe 2 Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $459.00 | 28d 21h |
| Sargent and Greenleaf S&G 6120 Electronic Keypad Digital Lock Gun Any Safe BLACK | | | US $209.99 | 20d 2h 16m |
| Portable Keyless Keypad Safe Gun Pistol Digital Electronic Lock Car RV Cash Box | | | US $54.90 | 28d 4h 21m |
| HS-1600E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $1,656.00 | 28d 21h 10m |
| HS-880E Hollon Office Safe 2 Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $720.00 | 28d 21h |
 | HS-750E Hollon Office Safe 2 Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $594.00 | 28d 21h |
 | HS-1400E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $1,299.00 | 28d 20h 54m |
 | HDS-750E Hollon Safe Office Home Data Fire Water Protection Digital Keypad Lock | | | US $759.00 | 28d 20h 54m |
 | HS-1000E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $905.00 | 28d 20h 54m |
 | HS-1200E Hollon Office Safe 2Hour Fireproof Round Locking Bolt Electronic Keypad | | | US $1,158.00 | 28d 20h 54m |
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| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel Black | | | US $44.95 | 18d 21h 25m |
| 0.3CF Electronic Digital Lock Keypad Safe Box Home Security Gun Cash Jewel White | | 22 Bids | US $35.44 | 3h 45m |
| Sargent and Greenleaf S&G 6120 Electronic Keypad Digital Lock Gun Any Safe BLACK | | | US $209.99 | 20d 2h 15m |
| S&G 6120 Chrome Electronic Keypad Safe Lock Combo Gun Safe Home Replacement | | | US $180.00 | 29d 21h 49m |
| Lagard LG Basic II Electronic Keypad Safe Lock Combo Gun Safe Home Replacement | | | US $126.00 | 29d 21h 43m |
| AMSEC Electronic Digital Keypad ESL10-XL Safe Lock REP Sargent Greenleaf LA GARD | | | US $145.99 | 8d 23h 21m |
| HDS-2014E Hollon Front Load Cash Depository Drop Safe Keypad Lock | | | US $365.00 | 16d 1h 36m |
| FB-845E Hollon Home 2hr Fire Burglary Security Office Safe Keypad Lock | | | US $965.00 | 11d 21h 55m |
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 | Mountable Electronic Key Pad Pistol Gun Safe Lock Box Fast Ship NEW | | | US $64.50 | 16h 28m |
 | Mountable Electronic Key Pad Pistol Gun Safe Lock Box | | 0 Bid | US $44.95 | 21h 46m |
 | Gunvault Gun safe electronic lock red led light night access of button keypad | | | US $24.99 | 1d 2h 39m |
 | Sentry 10 Long Gun Rifle Security Electronic Lock Keypad Safe Cabinet G1055E NEW | | | US $485.00 | 26d 1h 20m |
 | GunVault Safe Cabinet Security Led night Light For Electronic Lock keypad access | | | US $19.85 | 20d 21h 48m |
 | Stack-On Personal Drawe/Wall 1 Shelf Safe w/Programmable Electronic Keypad Lock | | | US $87.99 | 28d 1h 25m |
 | Stack-On Quick Access Drawer Safe w/Electronic Keypad Lock and Pop-up Lid | | | US $99.99 | 28d 41m |
 | Sentry 14 Long Gun Rifle Security Electronic Lock Keypad Safe Cabinet G1459E NEW | | | US $599.00 | 26d 1h 20m |
 | NEW Home Office Gun Pistol Electronic Lock Keypad Safe Fast Ship | | | US $93.46 | 16h 37m |
 | GunVault Standard Handgun Pistol Keypad Entry Security Lock Safe SpeedVault | | | US $164.99 | 9d 19h 38m |
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| | Digital Keypad Safe $139.99 Keep your valuables out of reach and secure with this Digital Keypad Safe. Open the digital safe by simply entering your custom-created four digit combination on the keypad. Easy to read bright LED display, Retains one four digit pin, Two solid steel locking bolts, Show, no show option when pin is entered, Faceplate removes to reveal a backup key lock in case of battery failure, Lockout mode after 4 failed attempts, Easy to use, Pre drilled holes in the back and bottom of safe, Operates on 4 AA batteries, Dimensions 16.5� x 14.5� x 7.75�, Inner dimensions 16� x 12� x 6.25�, Weight 26.5 pounds, Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched, set of emergency back-up keys and mounting hardware, One-Year Limited Warranty Features: * Digital Keypad Safe * Easy to read bright LED display * Safe can be bolted - It has pre drilled holes in the back and bottom of safe * Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched Specifications: Model # AX11618 Body Material Steel Weight 26.5 lbs Included Accessories Inner floor mat, set of emergency back-up keys, mounting hardware and batteries Warranty One-Year Limited Warranty Outer Size 16.5� x 14.5� x 7.75� Inner Size 16� x 12� x 6.25� Key Code Memory 1 Secondary Access 2 back-up keys |
| | Protex Safe Co. Closet Safe with LED Digital Keypad $179.99 Protex Safe Co. - Safes - DRW23 - The Protex Safe Co. Closet Safe with LED Digital Keypad is a new addition to our line of hotel and personal safes. It?s deigned to fit in a cabinet, on a shelf or inside a closet. The drawer safe is equipped with a hotel type locking mechanism, flat digital keypad with LED display and a mechanical key override. The code you choose to lock the safe will be the code to open it. The safe is also equipped with a manager override code that can be changed at any time. After entering the correct code, the drawer will automatically spring out and can be pulled out all the way for easy and convenient access. Its plush high-quality velvet interior provides a nice accent, feel and protection for your most precious belongings. The Protex Safe Co. Closet Safe with LED Digital Keypad can be installed on a low shelf or on the floor and will still give you and easy access since you can see the interior from the top. An excellent choice for a hotel/motel guest room or suite. It can be bolted to the floor or wall to provide an extra security from theft. 3/16 solid steel-plate door Two Heavy duty chrome locking bolts (motorized) Digital electronic lock with flat keypad and LED display External power override (Included) Mechanical key override (2 Keys are Included) Spring loaded drawer Pre-drilled mounting holes for bolting Electro-Static powder coat finish High quality interior velvet Manager and user code Specifications: Exterior Dimensions: 17-3/4 (W) x 9 (H) x 15-1/4 (D) Interior Dimensions: 12-1/2 (W) x 5-1/4 (H) x 11 (D) Door Clearance: 12-1/2 (W) x 11 (D) Door Thickness: 2-3/4 (3/16 Solid Steel Plate) Cubic Feet: 0.30 Weight: 50 Lbs. |
| | Stack-On Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock - Black $49.99 Store your valuables in this safe that features 2 live-action steel locking bolts and concealed hinges to ensure secure protection. An electronic lock and keypad provide quick access to your items. |
| | Samsung SHS7100XMS Samsung Keypad Digital Door Lock $599.6 Digital touch screen keypad for PIN access. Supports up to 250 codes. Indoor and outdoor use. Commercial and residential applications. Mechanical key override. Essential Info. The SHS7100XMS gives safe reliable access control using both the digital touch screen keypad and a standard lock. This unit is keypad programmable and can support up to 250 user codes. Random security coding allows for an extra level of protection in both residential and commercial applications. The weather resistant finish is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation and the unit is nonhanded for either right or left side installation. Innovative Features:. The SHS7100 includes features that solve many problems of traditional and PINstyle deadbolts. Random security codes prevent wear on commonlypressed keypad digits preventing unauthorized users from getting hints as to oftenused pins. The numbers on the glossy keypad do not light up until the unit is activated. An automatic/manual locking mode allows for a passage mode when constant locking would be a hindrance. Length: 21.5. Height: 12. Width: 13.5 |
| | Barska Optics AX11618 LAPTOP SIZE KEYPAD SAFE $205.03 Easy to read bright LED display Retains one four digit pin Two solid steel locking bolts Show no show option when pin is entered Faceplate removes to reveal a backup key lock in case of battery failure Lockout mode after 4 failed attempts Pre drilled holes in the back and bottom of safe Operates on 4 AA batteries Dimensions 16 1/2 x 14 1/2 x 7 3/4 Inner dimensions 16 x 12 x 6 1/4 Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched set of emergency backup keys and mounting hardware OneYear Limited Warranty. |
| | Sentry Safe Fire-Safe OA3807 Security Safe $293.99 1 1 / Pack 1.20 ft³ 13.74" Height x 12.56" Width x 11.89" Depth 17.83" Height x 16.34" Width x 19.33" Depth 6 x Live-locking Advanced LCD electronic lock system with backlit keypad, programmable PIN access and tubular key lock 2-hour proven fire protection with impact ETL verified for 2-hour fire protection of CDs, DVDs, USB Drives and Memory Sticks up to 1850°F Key rack and compartment for small items Holds standard and A-4 size papers, folders and binders Black Fire-Safe Fire-Safe OA3807 Electronic Safe Gunmetal Gray OA3807 Security Safe Sentry Group Sentry Safe Tubular Key Water Resistant www.sentrysafe.com |
| | Sentry Safe OA3821 Fire-Safe Electronic Safe $293.99 0% 1 1 Each 1.20 ft³ 13.75" Height x 12.56" Width x 11.87" Depth 135 lb 17.84" Height x 16.34" Width x 19.31" Depth 6 x Live-locking Key rack and compartment for small items UL-classified 2-hour proven fire protection UL Fire and Impact Test (30 ft. Drop Test) ETL verified for 2-hour fire protection of CDs, DVDs, Memory Sticks and USB Drives up to 1850°F Advanced LCD Electronic Lock System: Backlit keypad Programmable PIN access Each user has individual PIN PINs may be created using 4-8 digits 5 digit factory access code setting Allows up to 7 users ( 1 manager with program override capability and (6) additional users) UL ETL Fire-Safe Electronic Safe is UL Classified 2-hour proven fire protection with impact ETL-verified for 2-hour fire protection of CDs, DVDs, USB Drives and Memory Sticks up to 1850 degrees Fahrenheit. Safe has advanced LCD electronic lock with backlit keypad, programmable PIN access, tubular key lock and six live-locking bolts. Features multi-position shelf, metal handle, multi-position drawer, key rack, door pocket and compartment for small items. Includes bolt-down hardware for added security. Holds standard and A-4 size papers, folders and binders. Weighs 135 lb. (61.2 kg.). Interior dimensions are 12-9/16" wide x 11-7/8" deep x 13-3/4" high (31.9cm wide x 30.2cm deep x 34.9cm high). Electronic safe holds 1.2 cubic feet (33.6 cubic liters). Adjustable Black Door Pocket Electronic Fire Resistant Fire-Safe Gunmetal Gray LCD Electronic Lock Metal Handle No OA3821 OA3821 Fire-Safe Electronic Safe Security Safe Sentry Group Sentry Safe Water Resistant www.sentrysafe.com |
| | Compact Biometric Keypad Safe $179.99 Compact biometric keypad safe brings storage security technology to the next level. The new multi-access safes add versatility to function by having two independent quick access methods and a back-up key. The Barska method of multi-access is a functioning solution to delegate access to valuables or weapons in any situation. Each access method functions independently fingerprint or keypad access as to not compound frustration and to give you peace of mind that you will always be able to access your safe in time of an emergency. The smaller dimensions of the safe mean that it can be kept in little spaces out of reach of everyone but still accessible to the registered users. Holds up to 32 different users and one pin code. Features: Biometric fingerprint scanning technology by Barska allows up-to 32 users to have quick effortless access to the safes contents. Biometric locks are the ideal method of quick access to weapons in time of emergency for home security. In the situation that you're awakened in the middle of the night to Specifications: 2 solid steel locking bolts Operates on 4-AA batteries (included) Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched, removable storage shelf, set of emergency back-up keys and mounting hardware Dimensions 14"x10"x10" Inner Dimensions 13"x7.5"x9.5" Weight 29 lbs |
| | Sentry Safe OA5848 Fire-Safe Electronic Safe $422.99 0% 1 1 Each 1 Year Limited 1 x Locking 19.65" Height x 14.80" Width x 11.89" Depth 2 ft³ 211 lb 23.74" Height x 18.58" Width x 19.33" Depth 7 x Live-locking OA5848 Fire-Safe Electronic Safe Bolt-down Hardware UL ETL Fire-Safe Electronic Safe is U.L. Classified two-hour proven fire protection and impact tested. ETL verified for 2-hour fire protection of CDs, DVDs, USB Drives and Memory Sticks up to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit. Holds standard and A-4 size papers, folders and binders. Water-resistant electronic safe features advanced LCD electronic lock with backlit keypad, programmable PIN access, tubular key lock and seven live-locking bolts. Features metal handle, pullout file rack, a multiposition drawer, key rack, door pocket and compartment for small items. Bolt-down hardware included for added security. Safe weighs 211 lb. (95.7 kg.). Interior dimensions are 14-13/16" wide x 11-7/8" deep x 19-21/32" high (37.6cm wide x 30.2cm deep x 49.9cm high). Holds 2.0 cubic feet 3456 cubic inches. Black Door Pocket Electronic Fire Resistant Fire-Safe Gunmetal Gray LCD Electronic Lock Metal Handle No OA5848 OA5848 Fire-Safe Electronic Safe Security Safe Sentry Group Sentry Safe Tubular Key Water Resistant www.sentrysafe.com |
| | Hollon HDS2014E Deposit Safe with Electronic Lock $474.5 The Hollon HDS2014E Deposit Safe is large enough for letters deposit slips and smaller items. It has an antifish baffle which makes it impossible for wouldbe thieves to nab your valuables. BRated Depository Safe. AntiFish Baffle prevents theft through the deposit door. Battery operated Electronic Lock protected by an internal spring loaded relocking device. Easily change your personal code in seconds. Four anchor holes provided to secure your safe to the floor. 1/2 Thick solid steel door. 1/4 Thick body. (3) 1.20 Diameter solid steel live locking bolts. If combinations are entered incorrectly the keypad has a lockout penalty frustrating the wouldbe burglar. Heavy duty dead bar prevents door removal during a forced entry attempt. Exterior: 14 W x 14 D x 201/4 H. Interior: 131/2 W x 111/4 D x 101/2 H. |
| | Hollon FD2714E Deposit Safe with Electronic Lock $705.9 The Hollon FD2714E Deposit Safe is large enough for letters files or deposit slips. It has an antifish baffle which makes it impossible for wouldbe thieves to nab your valuables. BRated Depository Safe. 1/2 Steel Door. 1/4 Steel Body. (5) 1.20 Chrome plated steel bolts. Internal spring loaded relocking devise provides secondary line of defense. 4 Predrilled anchor holes. AntiFish baffle prevents theft through deposit door. Multiuser Electronic Keypad Lock. Locks and relocker are protected by a Drill/Ballistic Resistant hardplate. Exterior: 14 W x 14 D x 27 H. Interior: 131/2 W x 11 D x 18 H. |
| | SentrySafe Electronic FIRE-SAFE - Black $355.93 Keep your valuables protected with this SentrySafe DS5781 FIRE-SAFE that features an advanced LCD electronic lock system with a backlit keypad, programmable PIN access and tubular key lock for reliable security. |
| | FireKing Gary Personal Safe $79.18 Fire King - Safes - HS1207 - The Gary personal safe offers big protection in a compact size. It's ideal for home, office, workstations, automobiles, or anywhere you need valuables protected. This home safe features a bolt down capability, it is easy to attach to the wall or floor with the included bolt down kit. This safe features a an electronic lock with a digital keypad. It is equipped with a mechanical key lock for emergency backup entry. Digital Keypad: The digital keypad with 3- to 8 digit programmable code entry provides security and easy access (batteries included). Manual Key: Equipped with manual override keys for emergencies. Tough Construction: 9-Gauge door and 14-gauge walls resist burglary and break-ins. Inside Dimensions: 7.5 H x 12 W x 5 .75 D External Dimensions: 7.75 H x 12.25 W x 7.75 D Weight: 19 lbs Capacity: 0.3 cu. ft. |
| | Large Biometric Keypad Safe By Barska $259.99 Compact biometric keypad safe brings storage security technology to the next level. The new multi-access safes add versatility to function by having two independent quick access methods and a back-up key. The Barska method of multi-access is a functioning solution to delegate access to valuables or weapons in any situation. Each access method functions independently fingerprint or keypad access as to not compound frustration and to give you peace of mind that you will always be able to access your safe in time of an emergency. The smaller dimensions of the safe mean that it can be kept in little spaces out of reach of everyone but still accessible to the registered users. Holds up to 32 different users and one pin code. Features: Biometric fingerprint scanning technology by Barska allows up-to 32 users to have quick effortless access to the safes contents. Biometric locks are the ideal method of quick access to weapons in time of emergency for home security. In the situation that you're awakened in the middle of the night to Specifications: 2 solid steel locking bolts Operates on 4-AA batteries (included) Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched, removable storage shelf, set of emergency back-up keys and mounting hardware Dimensions 13.75"x12.25"x19.75" Inner Dimensions 13.5"x9.75"x19" Weight 42 lbs |
| | Standard Biometric Keypad Safe By Barska $199.99 Compact biometric keypad safe brings storage security technology to the next level. The new multi-access safes add versatility to function by having two independent quick access methods and a back-up key. The Barska method of multi-access is a functioning solution to delegate access to valuables or weapons in any situation. Each access method functions independently fingerprint or keypad access as to not compound frustration and to give you peace of mind that you will always be able to access your safe in time of an emergency. The smaller dimensions of the safe mean that it can be kept in little spaces out of reach of everyone but still accessible to the registered users. Holds up to 32 different users and one pin code. Features: Biometric fingerprint scanning technology by Barska allows up-to 32 users to have quick effortless access to the safes contents. Biometric locks are the ideal method of quick access to weapons in time of emergency for home security. In the situation that you're awakened in the middle of the night to Specifications: 2 solid steel locking bolts Operates on 4-AA batteries (included) Includes protective floor mat ensuring that items are not scratched, removable storage shelf, set of emergency back-up keys and mounting hardware Dimensions 15"x12"x11.75" Inner Dimensions 14"x9.5"x11.25" Weight 35.5 lbs |
| | LOCK,LAPTP,CLICK SAFE,BK $44.99 LOCK,LAPTP,CLICK SAFE,BK |
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KeyGuard Key Storage LockBox - Lock Box
All About Biometric Door Locks for Home and Corporate Use
About Biometric Electronic Access Control
Biometrics, or the recognition of the identity of someone based on a biological aspect of a person, is actually a very old technology. We use biometrics everyday when we use the ‘computer’ that we call the human mind: for example, when we recognize someone by looking at his or her face, or when we check a written signature against what we trust to be a bona-fide copy of a signature. The futuristic feel of biometric technology comes about when we match the traditional biometric approach with the new capabilities that we have in electronics. Now we can use electronic devices to make biometric judgements about the authenticity of a person—that is, “is person x who they say they are?” Since the information and digital age is upon us, the technology has come about that makes authentication exceptionally accurate, and potentially a much more reliable means of authenticating a person than traditional, human-judgement based biometrics.
Experts in authentication technologies usually classify the criteria that are used to verify someone’s identity based upon a few different categories. “What you know”, or W-Y-K, is one form of authentication: a common version of this occurs when you give an electronic bank terminal your PIN (or Personal identification number). “What you have”, or W-Y-H, is another criterion, and this refers to the possession of some identifying object such as an identification card or passport: but you could even consider a simple door key as a kind of W-Y-H proof of identity for allowing access into a private or controlled access property. Biometrics, according to this scheme of classification, would generally be termed “What you are” or W-Y-A. It is the presentation of a physical aspect of yourself that is quite uniquely and individually you, in order to obtain authentication.
Electronic access control (EAC) over properties based upon biometrics is not a new technology, having been around for decades—and it has taken on many forms. Hollywood movies have long depicted high security installations that use finger and handprints, eye (iris and retina) scans, facial and voice recognition and so on, in order to verify identity. Of course, media typically depicts the technology as being used by spies, high-tech corporate installations, the ultra-rich and other elites of society: possibly to protect priceless assets and information, or to prevent espionage and treason. Only recently has it become an exciting time for the rest of us, technologically speaking, as “the digital age” has brought electronic biometric technology to a quality standard and a price that is within the reach of the average consumer.
Fingerprint Scanning Biometric Door Locks
The newest consumer item is a biometric access control device that scans a person’s fingerprint in order to allow access to a property, or even to a vehicle. High-tech industry commentators are seeing biometrics as the new emergent technology that will eventually replace, or at least be offered alongside all other forms of access control (such as keys, or electronic access control devices based upon PIN code keypads, magnetic card swiping, or Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tokens/key-fobs). One of the principle reasons for this is that the biometric device potentially offers an entry control solution that is free of the typical problems that beset older technologies. That advantage might be simply avoiding that horrible feeling you get when you are standing at your front door and can’t find your keys, or when you have so many PINS in your head that you can’t remember the right one to gain access to a property. Maybe it is when the so-called magnetic stripe card has lost its magnetic properties, or you have lost the card; or when a RFID key-fob has run out of batteries, is stolen, or simply just fails to communicate to the lock. Biometrics could be advantageous for those that have physical difficulty with the operation of any of these older technologies. With biometrics, all you need is a finger, placed upon a small screen that scans the fingerprint, and then you then gain access to your property.
This is a relatively new technology for the consumer marketplace, and so if you are thinking of trying a biometric access control device, it pays to be cautious in terms of the unit that you select. What do you need to look for? Knowing this might mean the difference between having a new and more amiable relationship with your front door, or one which ends with a lot of frustration, as you imitate Jack Nicholson in an axe-wielding duplication of the “Here’s Johnny” scene from the movie “The Shining”. Hence, the following are some things to think about when selecting a biometric device.
When to Use Biometric EAC
The wide range of benefits in not carrying or using keys or other physical devices cannot be described in much detail here—and most people can instantly think of a list of benefits for their own home. Suffice it to say, the potential advantages may be many and varied. They may range from potential increased accessibility for the disabled, for the elderly and young children, through to benefits obtained in our “great Aussie beach culture”, where many will see it as ideal to be able to go to the beach and not have to take along a set of keys (or other devices that could be lost or stolen). Some applications can achieve huge benefits from implementing a biometric access control system, where inventory control of keys or other devices over an ever changing clientele would be “a nightmare” or just prohibitively expensive. A few examples are day-care centres, schools, industrial complexes and corporate offices, and high security government and commercial operations. The USA’s “Disneyland” (and also the Hong Kong location) have implemented a fingerprint scanning system called “Ticket Tag” to control all of its visitors, with the system controlling the complex array of access levels depending upon what kinds of tickets the visitors purchase. Hotels can also strongly benefit from eliminating the need to maintain key or card inventories, whilst freeing the guest from having either to carry or to check keys at reception every time they enter/exit the building. Computer networks can remotely control some biometric locks, and some locks are programmable to delete a guests’ authority to access a room automatically, after a specified time interval. Many biometric devices have built in “audit trails”, which can keep track of entries by user, date and time. This can be useful to prevent “buddy bundying” in workplaces, or provide a form of surveillance over children for concerned parents. The potential uses and benefits of biometrics are only limited by the imagination, and some benefits may make a world of difference when compared to older technologies.
Fortunately, in most applications, biometric technology is a suitable replacement for older technologies, and biometrics can offer a versatile access control solution for residential, government and commercial/industrial situations. However, there are a few exceptions. A case occurred a few years ago where a British prison invested in biometric fingerprint scanning devices to control access through the internal parts of the prison. Because the biometric device selected for the prison was not accurate, inmates were quick to exploit the weakness of the particular device, which simply did not have a good enough discrimination between different fingers to be able to keep prisoners out. Consequently, they were able to gain access to unauthorised internal areas. (The important topic of the accuracy of biometric devices is discussed immediately below.) Whilst overall prison security was not compromised, for a short while the prison black market flourished. Some commentators on this event rightly noted that a prison was not an entirely good place to have a biometric device, since some prisoners might not hesitate to cut off a guard’s finger, if it meant access to freedom (or in some cases, an extra carton of cigarettes). It is certainly the last place that I would want to install biometric access control, but not necessarily for security concerns, because biometric modules can sometimes discriminate between a connected and a severed finger, based upon measurements such as body temperature reading. The primary reason for not installing such devices in prison is simply that inmates might erroneously perceive that they could use the severed finger to access their freedom, and—irrespective of their success in escape—the false perception alone might work much to an unlucky prison officer’s detriment.
Physical attributes may sometimes not marry well with biometric technology. One visitor to Disney had problems with the readers because she had lymphodema in her right arm, which was the one she selected to have the fingers scanned. When her arm swelled during the course of the day, her fingers expanded and became different fingers in the eyes of the biometric scanner. A simple cure in her case would have been to use the arm that did not swell, but it does give an insight into a problem that could occur for some users. Very rarely, people have little actual fingerprint which can confuse some biometric readers, resulting in the poor operation of the device for such a user.
Biometrics Accuracy
In purchasing a biometric lock one must be careful to select a brand of device that has high levels of accuracy, or to put it another way, low levels of error. In biometrics, there are two typical measurements made regarding biometric error: that of FRR or "False Reject Ratio" and FAR or "false acceptance ratio". The lower each ratio or rate, the better the biometric product.
FRR is also known as the "insult rate", and this is quite an appropriate term. It involves the amount of times that you are insulted by your door lock, as it erroneously but calmly beeps to inform you that you are not actually you, but rather a pretender to the throne. FRR equates directly to the usability of the device. An enrolled user (that is, someone whose fingerprint is held within the memory of the lock or lock control as an authorised entrant) should be permitted entrance easily. If a biometric device has a low FRR, then it should not require a series of attempts before you can enter your home or workplace. A high FRR or insult rate biometric can be a frustrating device to live with.
The second measure of accuracy, FAR, is critical. It relates to the security provided by the device. How easy is it for the fingerprint of another user—an actual “pretender to the throne”—to get into the device? How easy is it for a mimicking technology to fool the lock into thinking it is the real finger? A high FAR or fraud rate can be a security violation just waiting to happen.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
In purchasing a biometric lock, look carefully at the FAR and FRR rates. They should both be as low as possible. However, it also pays to consider the way in which the specifications are gathered. Some biometric locks use what might be called a “security setting” in order to compromise between fingerprint discrimination and authorised users ease of entry: that is to say, a setting that allows you to trade off performance between either false insults or false permission granted to unauthorised parties. In my opinion an altogether bad thing to have on a biometric device, because the user should not have to be forced to tweak with crucial settings: it should all be purely automatic. Performance of a biometric lock should be about achieving both levels of accuracy at the same time, because that is what is demanded in the real world. Manufacturers that build an adjustment level into their device are possibly trying to attain better performance figures for their product than what they can deliver in practice.
It also pays not to be too serious about the performance specifications that are offered by manufacturers. Whilst they might serve as a useful guideline, the specification that states, for example, a “1:10000 false reject ratio” might never attain such performance in practice. Such performance figures are based upon a mix of empirical data and mathematical analyses. The best thing to do is to test the model with your fingerprint, place the enrolled finger into the device and gain entry a number of times, and see how repeatable it is. If your finger scans are repeatedly permitted in until you get tired of testing the entry operation, then chances are the lock is going to be easy to live with. If you find a lock that only beeps a denial of entry and requires you to rescan one time in a hundred, it would be safe to say that this is going to be a good lock to use on an everyday basis. Rare physical attributes (as noted earlier) can sometimes confuse some biometric readers. So test first, and make sure the product is specifically suitable for your fingers.
Another indicator of reliability might be to check with the supplier as to who makes the biometric module within the biometric device. Are they a reputable and recognised source of high technology hardware?
Biometric Ease of Use
Figure 1: A biometric device with a friendly, easy-to-use main menu driven interface, industry standard navigation pad, and a large screen. SEQ Figure * ARABIC A full, standard numeric keypad at the front of a device helps with ease of operation.
It is not much good having a biometric device if you need the proverbial Ph.D. in order to use it. Some locks are so complex to use that even watching a video of the steps required to operate the device (let alone program it) is a confusing thing. Of course, the ease with which you can use a biometric device contributes to or detracts much in terms of how happy you will be with your purchase. Look for a large and easy to see screen, with controlling functions being menu navigated in an intuitive way. If the biometric device is set up like, for example--the most user-friendly mobile phones or digital cameras, with features such as four way navigational keypads, then it is likely to be user friendly. Try to ensure that if you want to get to a function, you do not need both a user’s manual and a penchant for astrophysics: rather, that you just need the ability to read a simple menu and press navigation keys or selection buttons.
Don’t neglect the outside operating interface either, when it comes to choosing a good biometric device. If the unit has an industry standard numeric keypad on the outside lock body, this is indicative of easy entry control when you choose to use a pin number instead of, or in addition to, a fingerprint scan. A full keypad at the front of the device is also indicative that entering numbers into the biometric device (for programming basic operations) will be an easier thing than one that only has a few buttons and does not properly represent the full range of numeric digits (0-9).
Biometrics and Privacy
There has been some justifiable concern raised by privacy advocates and in the press more generally, about privacy concerns related to biometrics usage. Look for biometric units that do not capture and process merely the image of the fingerprint but rather use “minutiae points”, which are very specific details taken from a finger scan. A biometric device works with minutiae points by immediately capturing particular facets of the finger and fingerprint, followed by mathematical analysis of—and then encrypted encoding—of those facets. Therefore, such a biometric device is not actually comparing pictures, but rather the very specific data that it has collected. Drawing data from the biometric system can result in little but the gathering of useless data, rather than compromising the biometric data of an individual. Some locks and the network software programs that attach to them (if they are network capable) will also allow lock programming so that a guest user is only kept in memory for a specified period of time. At the end of that period, the fingerprint minutiae data is automatically purged from the system.
Biometrics Durability & Appearance
Durability is quite straightforward. Take a good look at the lock: is it protected from the elements? Some locks have sliding covers that protect the biometric scanning window and buttons from dust, dirt, water and so on. Is the body made well? Some locks have thicker walls of alloy in their construction to make them stronger; some have plastic parts that make the unit more vulnerable. Is the finish constructed to last? Some biometrics have “nanotech” finishes that make them as high-tech on the outside as they are on the inside, and make them very resistant to scratches that can make them less appealing. Solidly constructed locks that are based on a mortise design may be a little more expensive, but are the most robust in terms of security—which is of course what they are there for at the end of the day.
This leads to the final criterion you should consider when purchasing a lock: is it attractive, and does it visually complement (or burden) your premises. Regrettably, it seems that many biometric locks were designed with functionality in mind, and little or no consideration was given to appearance: but there is no rule set in stone that a biometric device has to be ugly; and some units are beautiful and elegant, and make a strong statement upon any front door.
Conclusion
When everything is taken into account, taking the step to adopt this new technology can be a rewarding experience: just be careful that you select the right device for you, your situation and your “aesthetic sensibilities”. Chances are you will be very much rewarded for your care in purchase, and you’ll be able to really enjoy the best things that this new and exciting technology can provide.
All text copyright Nordic Biometric Pty Ltd (Australia) 2008.
About the Author
Michael Primero, B.Sc., M.Sc.Soc., is a director of Nordic Biometric (Australia) Pty. Ltd., which supplies biometric lock devices. More about the Nordic Biometric product (which is illustrated in the above essay) can be seen at The Nordic Biometric Website.
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