A biometric home safe is the new normal, and it is the latest security upgrade. But there are two surfaces to a coin. As expected, the adoption of automatic locks for home safes meets a load of controversies. There are lots of speculations with many individuals trying to assess its pros and cons.
Do you have a hard time trying to figure out the upside and downsides of digital safes? This guide offers everything you need to know about this security system. Let’s explore these points!
How Does Biometric Safe Work?
Before diving into the benefits and shortcomings of electronic safes, it is vital to understand its mechanism. Biometrics uses distinct individual features for identification. These characteristics are usually retina and fingerprint scanning.
Some facilities use retina scanning. But for common systems like biometric gun safes at home often use digit print. Both features are distinct with every individual. Highlighted below are functioning processes of this safe type:
- Biometric locks work by scanning and storing fingerprints and retina scans. It records the unique ridge pattern on the skin of your fingers and marks of the retina. Finger marks and eye scans are unique for individuals. So, it forms the basics of security.
- This safe type will encrypt and save the prints in the database. You can only access the safe if your dactylogram matches anyone stored in the digital archives.
- It is probable to remove and add new patterns. But most safes have a maximum number of prints that can be saved on the data bank at a time.
Now that you know how this security system functions, it's time to evaluate its strength and weakness. This evaluation will help you understand digital safes better. It will also aid you in deciding if it's worth a try.
Pros of Biometric Home Safe
The innovation of biometric office safe is a significant advancement in security technology. This system is most common with gun safes and other valuables. Here is a comprehensive highlight of the advantages of biometric home and office safes:
1. Convenience
One of the most prominent benefits of biometric lock is convenience. All you need to do is fix your registered finger on the lock screen. You don't have to memorize or punch numbers before unlocking the safe.
2. No Need to Memorize Combination Keys
One of the major alternatives to biometric safe is the use of combination keys. Many individuals find it challenging to memorize these codes. The use of biometric scans eliminates this hassle.
3. No Fear of Misplacing Keys
Most safe lock keys are small. Although this feature makes it easy to carry the key around, it also makes it easy for you to lose it. But the case isn’t the same with digital safes.
It is much easier to lose a key than any of your digits. And it is impossible to drop your fingers somewhere as you move around. It implies that you have access to your safety as long as you have your fingers.
4. Quick Access
Punching keys or using combination codes can be time demanding. In fact, you might forget or miss these keys under duress or during emergencies. But with a digital safe, you can be sure of quick and easy access. This feature is handy in the case of biometric gun safes.
In the face of an emergency, placing your finger on the scanner is the easiest option. Inserting keys or punching codes is not only time-consuming. There is a high prospect of an error, considering the urgency at this point.
5. Easier for Multiple People to Use
You don't have to share security codes with others before they have access. Besides, keys are only available in limited numbers, and an invader can steal them. So, it is easier to scan and save the database of those with legitimate access.
6. Improved Safety
Biometric security safes offer improved safety compared to other lock types. Besides the fact that it is not easy to break, it also provides access for limited individuals. There is no security threat of someone eavesdropping on the combination codes.
Unlike keys that someone can remake, fingerprints remain unique and personal. So, you don't have to worry about the access of your safe being in circulation with unauthorized individuals. In fact, it is easier to keep track of those with authorized access. You can find out from the print stores in the database.
Cons of Biometric Home Safe
There is no security system without its breaches and shortcomings. Digital safes have loads of advantages, but they also have notable drawbacks. The knowledge of these limitations will aid the proper management of your storage box.
Below are the noteworthy cons of biometric home and office safes:
1. Risk of Physical Disability
One cannot rule out the possibility of having accidents or other occurrences that can cause disabilities. The authentication system of this lock might not grant you access. And this can occur in a case of physical damage on access parts.
The prints on your retina or fingers can change if:
- You have a burnt digit or other body issues
- Tattooed fingers and skin peels
- Retina transplant or other visual impairment
- Use of contact lenses or protective materials like gloves for fingers
- In some extreme cases, a complete loss of extremity can occur
In any of the conditions above, the owner can lose entrance to the safe. So, it is either you change the authentication access or change the lock system.
2. Cost Intensive
A biometric lock system is one of the most reliable security systems, but it comes at a high cost. And this is due to its high-level tech. Also, the installation of this unit is more expensive than other alternatives. People with low and average budgets might find its price unfitting.
3. Software Malfunction and Scanner Issues
Digital locks use a software system that keeps track of the fingerprints and retina scanners. This tech can develop a fault or have a glitch. This can be a result of power shortage or other malfunctionings. Besides this, the software of the lock can bug or experience some other complications.
4. Needs Power Source to Operate
Biometric security safes cannot operate without an appropriate power supply. Some use batteries, while others are rechargeable. The print scan will stop working once there is a power shortage. You have to recharge the safe or change the battery in this case.
5. No Scans and False Scans
One of the common complications of biometric is no scans and false analysis. This condition will require you to rescan your fingers until you get an accurate result. And this might occur multiple times, and it can be tiring.
Are Biometric Safes Reliable?
Biometric lock is unarguably one of the most reliable guarding systems. Besides the fact that it only offers premium access, it is not easy to break. Also, it is convenient and limits the extent of security breaches.
So, you can trust biometric locks for your safety. This reliability explains why a biometric shotgun safe is one of the most reliable protection methods.
Conclusion
A biometric lock system involves the use of individual unique features like fingerprints and retina scans. Although it is reliable and efficient, it also has its limitations and shortcomings. The evaluation of these two sides will help you decide if it is the best for you.
Nevertheless, you can mitigate the cons while boosting the pros with the best biometric home safe option. There are several products available. So, it is most beneficial to explore the market and decide on the best option for you!
