Biometric technology is undoubtedly among the most cutting-edge technologies in the world today. For some people, it probably still feels rather futuristic. However, there are several industries that have already come to rely on biometric technology for their day-to-day operations. Needless to say, this technology has made things a little easier for these industries. While the rest of the world is still adjusting to biometrics and learning how to use it, let’s take a look at some of the industries that are already making the most of biometric technology.
Access Control
Any organization that’s looking to enhance security for access control can look to biometrics for help. This can mean both physical and logical access to secure areas that require authorization. Whether it’s iris patterns, fingerprints, or even facial features, it’s impossible for nefarious characters to replicate biometrics in order to gain access to someplace where they don’t belong. But it’s not just about controlling access to places or information that needs to be guarded. Biometrics allows those who are authorized to gain quick access to these areas rather than going through a long security process. This technology can also help organizations maintain records of who has accused certain areas, when they gained access, and how long they were there. This takes both security and information regarding access control to another level.
Financial Services
All kinds of financial institutions are finding a way to utilize biometric technology. For instance, most banks have areas where only authorized personnel can access, so biometrics makes it easier to ensure only those authorized people are in those areas. The same logic can be applied to accessing accounts, especially in the age of mobile banking. Before someone gains access to their accounts via their smartphone, they have to gain access not with a password but with a fingerprint or facial recognition. Even if biometrics is simply added to a traditional password, this creates an extra layer of security that financial institutions need and deserve to protect their customers from instances of fraud. Therefore, biometric technology has done wonders for preventing identity theft with regard to financial accounts.
Online Casinos
Much like financial institutions, online casinos require high levels of security. Keep in mind that these are real money casinos that offer a safe and secure place for people to play online casino games. Therefore, casinos can’t allow anyone to access an account other than the owner of that account. By having customers sign in using a fingerprint or facial recognition, they can prevent fraud while also giving users a seamless way of accessing their accounts, allowing them more time to play games. When online casinos utilize this type of technology, they create a personalized experience for users while also building trust. People who bet with real money using online casinos need to know that their personal and financial information will be protected. By only accessing their account with biometrics, they can feel secure using that platform.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry has multiple uses for biometric technology. For starters, there are areas within hospitals and doctor offices that store medications and medical supplies that only employees should be able to access. By having biometric access to these areas, it eliminates the possibility of somebody stealing these items. Likewise, these areas require a log that tracks access to restricted areas, adding to the security and accountability of people who work in these areas. Most pharmacies have the same concerns and the same needs, so biometric technology has proven useful in these settings as well. At the same time, patient identification and information can also be safeguarded with the help of biometrics, adding a level of integrity and security to patient histories and treatment.
Higher Education
Perhaps unsurprisingly, institutions of higher learning have been quick to jump on the biometric bandwagon. As a starting point, universities can restrict access to certain buildings by requiring fingerprints or facial recognition to unlock doors. This can prevent anyone from entering a dorm unless they live there while also preventing after-hours access to academic buildings by anyone other than professors and authorized personnel. It’s more important than ever for colleges to be concerned with the security of both students and access to sensitive information. Plus, it’s a natural fit for academic institutions to be on the cutting edge of technology, which is why so many have embraced biometrics.