The Main Types of Biometric Security

In recent years, biometric scan technology has rapidly developed to become an increasingly popular security solution. From smartphone lock screens to commercial property doors, these devices are now common-place in a wide variety of access control systems. Their appeal lies in their ability to offer both convenience and a higher level of security by reducing reliance on traditional methods such as keys or passwords, which can be lost, stolen, or forgotten.

The technology behind this works by analysing either physical or behavioural characteristics that are unique to each individual. These identifiers are extremely difficult to replicate or forge, making biometrics a powerful tool in modern security.

Within this broader category, there are a few main types of biometric security that continue to grow in popularity. Each has its own advantages, depending on the level of accuracy and speed required, as well as the context in which it's being used and of course - budget. These include:
 

Fingerprint Scanners

Physical characteristics are used far more frequently in biometric security, and one example of this can be seen in fingerprint scanners. These systems work by measuring the unique ridges of a finger to correctly identify someone. And, whilst it is the most common form of touch-based scan, the palm or even a hand’s geometry can be used instead of a fingerprint.

Pros & Cons

• Pro – Passwordless system that most people are familiar with
• Pro – Provides a cost-effective security solution
• Con – Injuries can interfere with biometric scans
• Con – Require regular cleaning to maintain accuracy and hygiene. 
   

Facial Recognition

Another popular type of biometrics is facial recognition access control. These are the oldest form of biometric authentication and, using an image or video, they can identify people through the automatic localisation of someone’s face. You can read more on How Facial Recognition Works in our blog here.

Pros & Cons

• Pro – Offers touch-free and passwordless authentication
• Pro – Extremely effective when combined with other security measures
• Con – Can be inconsistent depending on lighting and facial expressions/accessories
   

Iris Scanners

Our eyes can be used in several forms of biometric security. Facial recognition can utilise them, but they’re more commonly associated with iris and retina scanning technology. The former works by analysing the unique folds within the muscles of the iris, whilst the latter scans deeper into the eye to check the capillary patterns.

Pros & Cons

• Pro – Another passwordless system
• Pro – The high level of randomness with eye patterns means it’s unlikely to be influenced by small injuries
• Con – The technology is very new compared to other biometric scanners
   

Handwriting Recognition

A common form of behavioural recognition is seen in handwriting detection systems. This is based on identifying patterns within someone’s writing, normally in their signature, to find a match with a specific individual. It has become quite popular for securing workflow automation, rather than in access control.

Pros & Cons

Voice Recognition

Another form of behavioural biometric security is voice recognition. This works by analysing the unique characteristics of a person’s voice, such as pitch, tone, cadence, and pronunciation patterns. It’s increasingly used in customer service authentication systems, smart assistants, and some mobile banking apps, where hands-free verification is beneficial.

Pros & Cons

• Pro – Hands-free and easy to use in remote or mobile environments
• Con – Accuracy can be impacted by illness, emotion, or environmental noise
• Con – Vulnerable to spoofing if voice samples are recorded and replayed
   

Other Forms of Biometric Security

Finally, a few more types of biometrics as technology continues to advance include:

• Hand veins – A form of fingerprint scanning that’s much more difficult to hack
• Ear shape – Can be used instead of full facial recognition
• Gait analysis – Identifies individuals based on their unique walking patterns
• Heartbeat recognition – Uses an individual’s cardiac signature, which is nearly impossible to duplicate
   

Johnson Controls – Pioneers in Biometric Security Solutions

As the technology continues to evolve, biometric systems are becoming faster, more reliable, and increasingly cost-effective for a huge range of commercial uses, and Johnson Controls are at the forefront of these advancements.

Our biometric access control solutions can be scaled to meet any business and commercial property needs and our experts will be able to advise you on the perfect solution to suit your access control and security requirements.