Biometric Access Control

Entertainment ticketing, theme park ticketing

Enhancing the Entertainment Experience: How Biometric Verification Can Transform E-Ticketing

In the entertainment sector, convenience and security are paramount to delivering a seamless customer experience. Whether visiting a theme park, attending a theatre show, or participating in an exclusive event, the speed and ease with which guests can access the venue play a crucial role in overall satisfaction. With the introduction of biometric verification technology, the entertainment industry is set to undergo a transformative shift in how e-ticketing is managed. Among the most promising developments is the integration of face recognition enrolment solutions with online e-ticketing platforms—a solution offered by companies us. The Power of Biometric Verification in E-Ticketing Biometric verification, particularly face recognition, offers a robust solution to the challenges associated with traditional ticketing systems. Unlike conventional tickets that can be lost, stolen, or counterfeited, biometric verification ensures that the identity of the ticket holder is securely linked to their unique physical characteristics. This connection enhances security, reduces the risk of fraud, and streamlines the entry process. In the context of e-ticketing, face recognition can simplify the process of purchasing, validating, and using tickets. By enrolling their facial biometrics during the ticket purchase process, customers can enjoy a truly contactless experience when accessing venues. Instead of fumbling for a printed ticket or scanning a barcode on their phone, they can simply walk up to a face recognition entry point, where their face will be recognized in seconds, granting them swift and secure access. Arana Security\’s Face Recognition Enrolment Solution Arana Security has developed an advanced face recognition enrolment solution designed to integrate seamlessly with online e-ticketing platforms. This technology enables entertainment venues to offer a highly efficient and secure ticketing process for their members. When purchasing a ticket online, users can opt to enrol in the face recognition system. This enrolment process involves capturing their facial image using a smartphone or webcam, which is then securely stored and linked to their e-ticket. Upon arrival at the venue, the user’s face is scanned at the entrance, and their identity is instantly verified against the enroled data, allowing them to enter without needing to present a physical or digital ticket. Benefits of Face Recognition Integrating face recognition with e-ticketing platforms offers numerous benefits, particularly for members who frequent entertainment venues: Frictionless Access: Members can enjoy hassle-free entry without needing to carry a physical ticket or even a smartphone. This convenience is especially beneficial in large venues like theme parks, where visitors might need to juggle multiple items or manage small children. Enhanced Security: Biometric verification significantly reduces the chances of ticket fraud, ensuring that only the rightful owner can use the ticket. This security feature is particularly valuable for high-profile events or exclusive memberships. Personalised Experiences: By integrating facial recognition with membership programs, venues can offer personalised services to members as they enter. For instance, theme parks can use this data to tailor experiences, such as greeting members by name or providing custom offers based on their preferences and visit history. Speed and Efficiency: Face recognition speeds up the entry process, reducing wait times and improving overall guest satisfaction. For large venues or events with high foot traffic, this efficiency can significantly enhance the visitor experience. Health and Safety: In a post-pandemic world, contactless solutions are more important than ever. Face recognition minimizes physical contact between guests and staff, supporting health and safety protocols. The integration of biometric verification, particularly face recognition, with e-ticketing platforms represents a significant leap forward in the entertainment sector. Arana Security’s face recognition enrolment solution offers a cutting-edge approach to enhancing security, convenience, and overall customer experience. As this technology becomes more widely adopted, entertainment venues can expect to see not only improved operational efficiency and decrease in ticket fraud but also increased customer loyalty and satisfaction. By embracing biometric verification, the entertainment industry can provide visitors with a modern, secure, and seamless e-ticket experience, setting a new standard for convenience and innovation in the years to come.

Enhancing the Entertainment Experience: How Biometric Verification Can Transform E-Ticketing Read More »

Biometric Access control gyms

The Future of Healthy living: Biometric Access Control in Gyms

In the digital age, technology continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, including how we access facilities like gyms. Biometric access control systems, which utilise unique physiological characteristics for identification, are increasingly being adopted by gyms and health facilities worldwide. This cutting-edge technology offers numerous benefits for both gym owners and members, ensuring secure, efficient, and convenient access. In this blog, we\’ll explore the advantages of biometric access control in gyms and how it is revolutionising the fitness industry. What is Biometric Access Control? Biometric access control refers to the use of biometric data—such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans—to grant or deny access to a facility. Unlike traditional access methods that rely on keys, cards, or codes, biometrics provide a more secure and personalised way to manage entry. The technology works by capturing and storing a user’s unique biological data, which is then used to verify their identity each time they attempt to access the gym. Advantages of Biometric Access Control in Gyms 1. Enhanced Security One of the most significant benefits of biometric access control is the enhanced security it provides. Traditional access methods, such as key cards and PINs, can be lost, stolen, or shared, leading to unauthorised access. In contrast, biometric data is unique to each individual and cannot be easily replicated or transferred. This ensures that only authorised members can enter the gym, reducing the risk of theft and enhancing overall safety with Keyless access control systems. 2. Convenience for Members Biometric or Keyless access control systems offer unmatched convenience for gym members. No longer do they need to remember to carry their membership card or remember a PIN. Access is granted simply by scanning a fingerprint or using facial recognition, making it quicker and easier to enter the gym. This seamless entry process enhances the overall member experience, allowing them to focus on their workouts rather than dealing with access issues. 3. Streamlined Management for Gym Owners For gym owners and managers, biometric access control simplifies membership management. Enrolment can be done remotely, and access permissions can be easily updated or revoked as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful for managing memberships during promotions, seasonal changes, or when dealing with expired memberships. Additionally, biometric systems provide detailed access logs, helping gym owners keep track of who is entering and exiting the facility at all times. 4. Cost-Effective and Scalable While the initial investment in biometric access control systems may be higher than traditional methods, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. The reduction in administrative tasks, such as issuing and replacing lost cards, saves both time and money. Furthermore, biometric systems are highly scalable, making them ideal for gyms looking to expand. New members can be quickly enrolled, and additional entry points can be easily integrated into the existing system. 5. Reduced Risk of ‘Membership Sharing’ and Tailgating With biometric access control, the risk of membership fraud is significantly reduced. Since biometric data is unique and cannot be shared, it eliminates the possibility of members lending their access cards or sharing PINs with non-members. This ensures that only paying members can use the gym facilities, protecting the gym\’s revenue and maintaining a fair usage policy. 6. Future-Proof Technology Biometric access control systems are designed to adapt to future technological advancements. As biometric technology continues to evolve, gyms can benefit from updates and new features that enhance security and convenience even further. Investing in biometric systems ensures that gyms stay ahead of the curve, offering their members the latest in access control technology. 7. Be More Green  Most of the 26 billion plastic cards currently in use are made from PVC, a material resistant to decomposition and difficult to recycle due to its embedded metals and other components. Consequently, the majority of these cards end up in landfills already filled with plastic waste or are incinerated. Eliminating the use of plastic membership cards or key fobs can reduce the gyms plastic usage significantly. As a business owner, it\’s vital to consider the environmental and health consequences of  plastic cards your business issues – because even small contributions quickly add up to a significant amount. Real-World Applications in Gyms Many gyms around the world have already embraced biometric access control, and their success stories highlight the technology’s benefits: 24/7 Access: Gyms operating round the clock have found biometric access control particularly useful. Members can access the facility at any time without the need for staff to be present, providing a safe and secure environment for late-night workouts. Personalised Member Experience: Some gyms use biometric data to personalise the member experience further. For example, biometric systems can be linked to workout machines and lockers, automatically adjusting settings to the member\’s preferences. Enhanced Hygiene: In a post-pandemic world, hygiene is a top priority. Contactless biometric systems, such as facial recognition, minimise physical contact, reducing the spread of germs and promoting a healthier environment. How Arana Security can help? Arana Security\’s BioWave mobile app integrated with face recognition devices such as Idemia VisionPass or Suprema, offers a ground-breaking solution for biometric access control that is particularly beneficial for gyms. This innovative app enables remote user enrolment (meaning members can enrol from home) leveraging advanced facial recognition technology to streamline access control and enhance the overall gym experience for both management and members. Streamlined Access for Members One of the most significant advantages of the BioWave app for gyms is the seamless access it provides to members. Here\’s how it works: Effortless Enrolment: Members do not have to wait for a member of staff to register them, members can simply download the BioWave app from the App Store or Google Play and create a secure account. The app guides users through capturing a high-quality 2D photo of their face, which is then securely transmitted to the gym\’s access control system. This remote enrolment process eliminates the need for in-person registration, saving time for both members and gym staff. Quick and Secure Access: Once enrolled, members

The Future of Healthy living: Biometric Access Control in Gyms Read More »

Access Control, Biometric Access control, Security risks, security solutions

Navigating the Maze: 5 Top Security Risks and Solutions in Access Control

In an era where information is a prized possession, businesses and organisations cannot afford to underestimate the importance of robust access control systems. Access control not only safeguards physical spaces but also protects sensitive data from unauthorised access. However, with evolving technology and sophisticated cyber threats, it\’s crucial to be aware of the top security risks associated with access control and implement effective solutions. Let\’s explore these challenges and the strategies to fortify your access control infrastructure. 1. Unauthorised Access Attempts: The Silent Threat One of the most common security risks in access control is unauthorised access attempts. Whether it\’s an employee attempting to access restricted areas or an external threat trying to breach your system, unauthorised access can lead to significant security breaches. Solution: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access. This could include a combination of passwords, smart cards, or biometric verification. 2. Credential Theft and Cloning Criminals are becoming increasingly adept at stealing or cloning access credentials, putting businesses at risk of unauthorised entry and data breaches. Solution: Encrypted Credentials and Biometrics Employ encrypted credentials that are challenging to duplicate. Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scans, provides a unique and nearly impossible-to-replicate form of identification, reducing the risk of credential theft. 3. Lack of Regular Access Reviews Failing to conduct regular access reviews can lead to outdated access permissions, leaving the door open for unauthorised individuals to exploit system vulnerabilities. Solution: Periodic Access Audits Regularly audit and review access permissions to ensure they align with current roles and responsibilities. Automated systems can assist in identifying and rectifying discrepancies, minimising the risk of unauthorised access. 4. System Vulnerabilities and Exploits As technology advances, so do the techniques employed by cybercriminals. Access control systems may become vulnerable to exploits if not regularly updated and patched. Solution: Regular Software Updates and Patch Management Stay ahead of potential threats by keeping access control software and firmware up-to-date. Implement a robust patch management strategy to address any vulnerabilities promptly. 5. Insider Threats: The Trojan Horse Within Internal threats, whether intentional or unintentional, pose a significant risk to access control. Employees with malicious intent or those inadvertently compromising security can lead to unauthorised access. Solution: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Implement RBAC to restrict access based on job roles and responsibilities. This ensures that employees have access only to the resources necessary for their specific duties, minimising the impact of insider threats. Strengthening Your Defence As access control continues to play a pivotal role in modern security, addressing these top security risks becomes imperative. A comprehensive approach that combines advanced technologies, regular audits, and employee awareness is key to creating a robust access control framework. By staying vigilant and proactive, businesses can navigate the complex landscape of security risks and build a resilient defence against potential threats to their assets and information. How Arana Security Can Help Achieve Advanced Access Control Security: Arana Security stands at the forefront of innovative access control solutions. Our expert team is dedicated to tailoring security systems to the unique needs of your business. From implementing state-of-the-art biometric authentication to conducting regular access audits, we provide a comprehensive suite of services aimed at fortifying your access control infrastructure. Trust Arana Security to safeguard your premises and data, ensuring that your business remains one step ahead of potential security threats.

Navigating the Maze: 5 Top Security Risks and Solutions in Access Control Read More »

Biometric ID - the key to solving the refugee crisis

Biometric ID – the key to solving the refugee crisis

At the end of 2022, 108.4 million people worldwide became displaced as a result of conflicts like the war in Ukraine, human rights violations, and other persecution. Millions of people have been left stateless, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) officially classed 35.4 million of these displaced people as refugees. But how can Biometric ID help and what is it exactly?   When refugees are forced to flee their homes with little warning, important documents are often left behind or lost in the chaos of crossing borders and refugee camps. Millions of people find themselves far from home without any means of identification, and the problems this can cause are wide-ranging. Without an ID, refugees can’t access health care, employment, or education and it also makes it nearly impossible for humanitarian agencies to track individuals or reunite families. Refugee camps become harder to manage with civilians inside them difficult to track and care for and host nations encounter security issues.   This is where Biometric ID comes in. Biometrics can give refugees a way of identifying themselves in a unique way only identifiable to themselves. This in turn leads to better protection and access to vital services. Keeping track of the huge numbers of refugees entering camps can vastly improve humanitarian services, and host nations can use the data to prevent fraud and improve refugee relations in local communities.    In this article, we’ll discuss how a lack of ID impacts the refugee crisis, and how Biometric ID technology may be the key to solving these issues.   Running efficient refugee camps  When refugees arrive at a camp, the first thing they have to do is register to access aid. Traditionally this process involves manually fingerprinting each individual and filling out time-consuming paperwork. Fingerprinting requires training, and paper records are difficult to archive and keep track of, and as refugee populations increase at camps, this process becomes even more complex and harder to maintain. It is vital to have a clear picture of the number of refugees at a camp at any given time to provide adequate security, housing, sanitation, and food and water. The traditional method of registration also makes it difficult to reunite separated family members as it requires aid workers to physically search through thousands of documents.    Biometric ID registration has proven effective at mitigating some of these issues. Humanitarian workers collect each individual\’s unique characteristics and store them in a digital database. These include fingerprint scans, iris scans and facial images, and registering them only takes seconds. Refugees are then provided with personal ID cards that are valid throughout the facility for them to access the aid they need. This data allows agencies to effectively manage the facilities, and the registration process is much quicker and easier. The digital database also makes it possible to locate family members and loved ones in minutes.    The Biometric ID technology used to register refugees is suitable for difficult environments and can endure extreme conditions such as extreme heat, dust and power outages. This system is much more robust and reliable than traditional methods.   A better life after resettlement  Around 850 million people worldwide lack access to identification in general, not just Biometric ID. This makes accessing services and benefits very difficult, particularly for refugees living in host countries. Without an official ID, individuals can’t access healthcare, education or banking and they can\’t get a mobile phone contract or work. This often leads to discrimination and abuse, with women being particularly vulnerable to exploitation if they are unable to access jobs. Access to these basic human rights is essential for refugees to assimilate into the countries and communities they have been resettled.    In 2022, the Cameroon government and the UNHCR ran a successful Biometric registration program, where 6,000 refugees from the Central African Republic received Biometric IDs. This gave them access to healthcare, education, bank accounts, and mobile phone subscriptions. Some of Cameroon’s refugees had been waiting nearly 10 years for access to these basic public and financial services.    Giving refugees access to id allows them to contribute to the society they live in. This reduces tensions with local communities and allows refugees to build a new life. Biometric IDs also allow host counties to manage the refugee population. They help authorities to identify criminals, manage border security and ensure the right people are accessing the aid they are entitled to.    Biobox: Revolutionising Biometric ID enrollment  At Arana Security, we’ve created an all-in-one Biometric enrollment and verification solution. Biobox allows you to capture and store Biometric ID data in under 4 minutes, using facial, iris and fingerprint data for layered protection against ID fraud.    Biobox is flexible and easy to use. It includes the following components: Flatbed fingerprint scanner Iris scanner  Laptop  HD camera Biometric fingerprint, iris and facial recognition software Waterproof, shockproof case    Biobox can be used across a variety of scenarios. It is ideal for Biometric ID enrollment across law enforcement, banking, education, border control, and in refugee camps.    We worked on a project for the United Nations, where they opted to use Biobox. We successfully provided a secure and portable solution to capture Biometric data to issue ID cards.  To find out more about Biobox or learn more about Biometric ID, book a consultation today.

Biometric ID – the key to solving the refugee crisis Read More »

5 ways airport biometrics have revolutionised air travel

5 ways airport biometrics have revolutionised air travel

At Arana Security we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge biometric solutions that help improve security, provide a better customer experience, and transform how we go about our daily lives. In this article, we’ll discuss how airport biometrics are revolutionising the way we travel.   Airport biometrics have already transformed air travel, and as technology advances and the biometrics industry grows, we can expect even bigger changes in the coming years. From biometric boarding to enhanced border security, biometrics have created a much more seamless, secure, and passenger-centric airport experience.   Airports around the world have been slowly implementing new biometric systems for more than 20 years.  The introduction of digital id to increase airport security in the wake of 9/11, kicked off the beginning of airport digitisation. It wasn’t until the Covid pandemic hit that we witnessed a rapid escalation in biometric transformation at airports worldwide. The latest SITA insights report has estimated that by 2024, 60% of all airports will have invested in biometric technology.    How does it work?  Each individual has unique characteristics that can be used for biometric identification. These characteristics include fingerprints, gait, palm prints, iris patterns, and facial patterns. Because no two persons can have the same biometrics, biometric technology uses these unique identifiers in place of passwords, pins and photo id for a more secure and accurate level of identity verification. The financial sector is also using similar biometric methods successfully to help enhance its security and improve accessibility.   Passengers can opt-in to share their biometrics remotely before they travel to the airport, and once they arrive they will be instantly verified via cameras or scanners at each touchpoint. Many airports now have this technology available for check-in, security checks, baggage drop, and boarding. This negates the need to carry passports, boarding cards or any other documents required.    Here are the top 5 ways that using airport biometric technology for air travel has revolutionised the industry.   1. Biometric boarding  Many airports have adopted biometric boarding procedures, where passengers advance through the boarding process themselves using facial recognition screens. The biometric software will analyse the image in seconds, and compare it with the image the passenger shared remotely before arriving at the airport. When the match is confirmed, the passenger can board without showing a passport or boarding pass, and without interacting with airline staff.    Biometric boarding has proven to be much more efficient than traditional boarding. The biometric system has been shown to halve the normal average boarding times at Los Angeles International Airport, boarding around 400 people in 20 minutes. In 2022, Korean Air launched biometric boarding using palm scanners for domestic flights from Seoul Gimpo International Airport as part of plans to minimise wait times, speed up boarding, and improve overall customer experience.    2. Hygiene  The outbreak of the Covid pandemic emphasised the need to improve health and safety procedures in airports worldwide. With millions of people travelling through airports each year, and with numerous touch points throughout the journey, it became apparent that airports have the potential to be a breeding ground for the spread of illness and disease.    Digital identification at the various stages of air travel has helped decrease this risk by eliminating unnecessary contact between security agents, airline and other airport staff, and passengers. Contactless machines and facial recognition technology have negated the need to pass documents back and forth or interact with touchscreens.   3. Paperless travel  The removal of physical paper documents from airport travel is not only more hygienic, but it has also made the customer experience much more seamless. In the past, passengers have been required to carry passports, boarding passes, vaccination cards, and visas. Biometrics allows passengers to use their unique characteristics instead of carrying various documents which they may forget or lose.   4. Border security  In the wake of terrorist incidents, increased criminal activity, and the Covid pandemic, there has been a push to improve and streamline border security.  These issues that have resulted in heightened security have increased wait times and congestion. When security systems become under more stress and have limited resources to deal with busier checkpoints, the result is often that criminals have an opportunity to get past these checks unnoticed. Biometric e-gates have been highly successful in tackling these issues by cutting down waiting times and quickly detecting criminal activity. Documents can be falsified but faking biometrics is nearly impossible.   For more information about how biometrics are improving global border security, you can read our article.    5. Biometric luggage drop  Airports across the world have begun testing self-bag drop systems using biometric photo matching. Spirit Airlines tested this system in Chicago and New York and found that time spent checking bags was reduced by 30%.    Airport biometrics have helped create a more user-friendly, streamlined customer experience at the airport, that is more hygienic and provides greater security. As biometric technology advances, we are likely to see more transformations in how we travel.    If you want to find out how we could help make your business more efficient and secure, book a consultation today. 

5 ways airport biometrics have revolutionised air travel Read More »

5 ways biometric technology is making the financial industry more secure and accessible banker looking at stocks and figures and staying secure with biometrics

5 ways biometric technology is making the financial industry more secure and accessible

In this article, we’ll explore five ways how the use of biometrics in the banking industry is enhancing security and improving accessibility.     In recent years, we have witnessed the integration of biometric technology with many aspects of our daily lives across virtually every industry. In the financial industry, the use of biometrics in banking has transformed how we interact with them, from accessing apps and authenticating payments to storing data and accessing banking (virtually and physically). Customers are able to use their unique biometric identifiers, like fingerprints and facial recognition, to streamline activities in their everyday lives. These include opening mobile phone banking apps and making contactless payments online and at retail stores.    Recent research has highlighted the rapid growth of biometrics in the banking and financial industry with one study reporting a 54% increase in the total number of digital banking users from 2020. The total number of users is set to reach more than 3.6 billion by 2024.    Let’s take a look at the top five reasons biometric technology has experienced so much growth within the financial industry. 1. Secure and accurate identification and authentication Biometric authentication provides a much more secure method of identity verification. For example, mobile banking customers can use their unique biometrics in lieu of passwords, pins or security keys. Not only does this remove the need to remember numerous bits of information, but it is much harder to duplicate facial patterns, fingerprints or voice patterns than to steal a password. If the customer loses their mobile phone or has it stolen, their banking apps cannot be accessed by anyone else if they have biometric security.  2. Enhanced fraud detection and prevention Biometric technology can detect abnormalities in behaviours or traits, helping recognise identity theft in person and online. Once these abnormalities are detected, financial institutions can take action to safeguard the customer against financial fraud.    Cardless ATMs using multi-factor authentication have also helped tackle fraud. If criminals have access to a customer\’s bank card and have gained access to their pins and passwords through phishing emails or malware, they can use this information to steal money from their bank account via an ATM. Multi-Factor authentication using biometrics is helping financial institutions to tackle this problem. The customer is required to log on to their online banking using biometrics when they reach the ATM. Once the customer\’s identity is verified and they have logged in to the app, they can hold their phone up to the reader at the ATM to withdraw cash. 3. Frictionless customer experience  In a study conducted by Visa, 61% of consumers said that biometrics are faster than passwords, and 70% said biometrics are easier than passwords. Digital wallets and remote access to banking have transformed how customers interact with their banks.  Consumers have the option to manage financial transactions from any location and across devices – much more convenient than going to a physical location.     Electronic payments have fast become the most popular way to pay. Using physical biometrics in banking payments is much quicker and easier than using a physical card and remembering pin codes, and it is also safer. A criminal with a stolen phone cannot use bank cards that use biometric verification, while a criminal with a stolen credit card can potentially do a lot more damage.  4. Increased accessibility  By simplifying processes and removing hurdles present in traditional banking, the use of biometrics in banking has increased the accessibility for people with disabilities and other barriers. Elderly individuals and people with memory issues may find remembering PINs and passwords very challenging. Using their biometrics removes this barrier.    Remote banking access has also increased the accessibility of banking for those who live in remote areas or those who have mobility issues and struggle to attend a physical bank.    Individuals who struggle to use technology may find the seamless integration of biometrics with mobile banking apps a much more user-friendly experience than traditional online banking with passwords and keycards.    5. Enhanced security for physical financial institutions   Using biometrics to improve the security of financial institutions doesn’t stop in the digital world. Biometric access control has significantly improved the security of physical locations, with the implementation of biometric access doors and gates. These highly secure entry points prevent unauthorised individuals from accessing secure areas and negate the risk of identity fraud. For example, if a criminal has gained access to a person\’s private banking data with the intention of assuming their identity to access their finances, they will be immediately denied access at the gate when their biometrics do not match the stolen identity.    At Arana Security, we understand how important secure access systems are for financial institutions. Our D-Flow access gate, which we recently installed in an investment bank, uses the latest biometric technology for identification and authentication.    How does it work? The user validates their access card where indicated on the gate If the user is authorised, the gate will open immediately If the user is unauthorised, access will be denied The gate closes immediately after an authorised user enters, preventing tailgaters from gaining access Why secure your business with D-Flow? D-Flow is compatible with facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, and MorphoWave™. Unique features mean higher levels of precision and security. Designed for quick and easy access  Our wider gate design improves accessibility for users For more information about D-FLow, you can watch our D-Flow video, or book a consultation with our biometric security experts.

5 ways biometric technology is making the financial industry more secure and accessible Read More »

BluAccess - mobile access control, enabling your ID card to always be within your reach. Using secure biometric ID to confirm access.

BluAccess – mobile access control

At Arana Security, we understand the importance of having a secure and robust security system, its benefits and how it can best be implemented. But do you ever consider the vulnerabilities of your own system and how these could be exploited to gain access to organisations?   We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and create robust security solutions and understand that they’re often only as strong as their weakest link, and in most cases, the weakest link is the end user. Exploits to human weaknesses happen to companies of all sizes (even within the big companies like Uber in September 2022), often without them realising.    These weaknesses could be as simple as the user forgetting or sharing the passcode, losing or having their RFID card stolen or ‘skimmed’ or as simple as the security system is never changed or updated and historical data being used for access.   With this in mind, we’ve developed a method to combat this with BluAccess – mobile access control, enabling your ID card to always be within your reach.   BluAccess is a mobile access control system that uses your smartphone to help easily control access to doors, rooms, facilities, and gates with the BluAccess modules. It is also more popular and convenient with end users as they do not need to carry around a separate access card or remember a password, and they often have their mobile device within easy reach.   BluAccess Features Some of the features of BluAccess include: ID Access Custom access rules Auto Connect with BluAccess Module QR Code Supporting different access modes: Pocket mode Hands mode Card mode When the mobile device is in proximity of the reader, it will automatically enable access making the process swift and painless and therefore, the security requirements more likely to be followed. Should it be an agreed requirement, a biometric layer can be added with dual authentication (fingerprint) on the reader device. BluAccess Benefits Benefits of BluAccess include: Replaces the need for physical access granting items e.g fobs and keycards: Reduced cost to replace Reduced likelihood of items being lost/ stolen User-friendly interface Easy to set up The software and its interface have been designed to make it quick and easy to enrol users Could be integrated with other access control systems Automation is applied to open doors automatically if the user is in range The platform can be scaled up or down depending on your organisation\’s needs Convenience for the end user (less information to remember or items to carry) resulting in fewer ‘work-around’ options Flexibility for your organisation as BluAccess can be used to control access to a variety of doors and terminals, including doors, gates, elevators, and rooms BluAccess is an ideal solution for SME’s as it’s a very cost-effective solution. This is due to its easy integration and management and smaller hardware costs and upkeep compared to larger access control solutions.   If you are looking for a more secure and convenient way to provide access to your doors and terminals, then BluAccess is a great option. Find out more about the Biometric ID solutions we offer here at Arana Security, or book a consultation to speak to our dedicated team about your security needs.

BluAccess – mobile access control Read More »

Why biometric identification may be the key to secure and fair elections digital voting secure biometric

Why biometric identification may be the key to secure and fair elections

In this article, we’ll look at biometric identification and the pivotal role it could play in the near future to help secure fair and just elections. We’ll explore the following considerations: Secure and fair elections – why they should be the cornerstone of democracy A Biometric solution: what is Biometric voter registration Examples of successful implementation of BVR across the world Secure and fair elections – the cornerstone of democracy For any democracy to be considered legitimate, its citizens must have the opportunity to choose who governs them and how they are governed, by free and fair elections. With almost half the world living in a democracy of some description, ensuring the integrity of elections has become increasingly challenging in the digital age. Cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation have become more prevalent, as well as identity theft and increasing public mistrust in political processes.  In many countries, elections are the cause of increased tension that often boils over into violent confrontations as often displayed on the news.    Even long-established democratic systems are not immune from exploitation. In 2020, the world witnessed President Donald Trump promote false claims of electoral fraud following Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election. These claims stoked so much tension among his supporters that ultimately culminated in the January 6th attack on the Capitol that has been called an attack on democracy itself.    A biometric solution: Biometric voter registration In the last decade, governments worldwide have begun implementing biometric voter registration (BVR) to address some of these challenges. BVR is the process of enrolling people onto a digital voting register using their unique biometric identification characteristics, including iris, face, and fingerprints. Biometric voter authentication then confirms the identity of each individual by comparing their biometrics with a database.    Biometric voting systems drastically reduce vote tampering and voter fraud by ensuring no duplicate votes are counted, and each person is who they say they are creating a fair and just voting system based on true population representation. This system brings many young or flawed democracies closer to achieving voter equality and the principle of one person, one vote.    Examples of successful implementation of BVR across the globe Bangladesh  In 2007, after weeks of mounting tension and political violence, President Iajuddin suspended all political activity, including the January parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. A 17-party alliance had announced a boycott on the grounds that the system was biased. The elections were postponed until December 2008 with the aim of providing a credible voter list for free and fair elections in the meantime. While the task was mammoth and the time frame tight, the project successfully used biometric identification methods to register 80 million voters in a highly accurate voter list, with a verifiable individual ID card and a citizens database.   Ghana In 2020, the Ghanaian government procured 75,000 biometric identification devices ahead of the general elections. Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensah said he hoped the new biometric devices would ‘enhance the integrity and credibility of the polls.’ He said, “It is expected that the enhanced features of the devices will speed up the verification process and go a long way to ensure that only persons whose biometric details are captured in our system vote on election day.” The introduction of the latest biometric voter registration technology resulted in 17 million Ghanaian voters being registered and the President declaring it the most credible voter register in the country\’s history.    Guinea  In Guinea, enrolling citizens to vote has been complicated in the past, as there is no reliable civil registry and individuals have no way to prove their identity. This has resulted in people registering several times and casting multiple votes. There has been no trustworthy way to authenticate votes. Biometric technology allowed people with little or no documentation to register using their unique characteristics – in less than 4 months 5.5 million people had registered. In Guinea’s March 2020 elections, the system was declared a complete success, and elections were proclaimed as ‘Standard’ by international observers.      Albania  In 2020, the Albanian government amended the country’s legal framework, allowing for biometric voter verification to be put in place. They paired biometric voting and authentication to make their elections faster, more reliable, and more transparent. The elections were a great success, cutting down the process from two days to one day. Voters were able to verify their identity through their fingerprints at the polling stations, and the fingerprints were then deduplicated to check for double voting.  These examples (and many other examples worldwide) of successful implementation of biometric identification-based voting solutions would suggest that biometrics are the future of ensuring secure and fair elections.    Find out more about the Biometric ID solutions we offer here at Arana Security, or book a consultation to speak to our dedicated team about your security needs. 

Why biometric identification may be the key to secure and fair elections Read More »

How AI is making biometric face and voice recognition more secure with Arana

How AI is making biometric face and voice recognition more secure

At Arana Security, many of our products including our facial recognition solution, integrate the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) with biometrics to ensure high levels of security without compromising on ease or speed of access. In this article, we take a look at how recent AI innovations have vastly improved biometric technology through voice and face recognition security measures.  In an increasingly digital world where technology advances rapidly every year, securing organisations against cybercrime is a global concern. In recent years we have witnessed major data breaches at some of the largest companies in the world including Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, where millions of customers’ private data were exposed. According to data provided by the Identity Theft Resource Center, from January to September 2021, 281 million people were affected by ongoing data leaks and breaches. In the first half of 2021 alone, scammers stole £754 million – a 30% increase from the same period a year before.  These relentless cyber-attacks have driven innovation in biometric technology to protect organisations against ever-advancing threats. Improvements in artificial intelligence with biometric face and voice recognition technology are one of the ways that organisations have been able to grow and adapt to the threat of cyber criminals finding new ways to manipulate the security in place.  AI and deep learning  In simple terms, artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. Machine learning and deep learning are vital functions of AI that imitate the pattern creation and processing power of the human brain to make decisions. This capability of machine learning without human supervision is what makes AI unparalleled for improving biometric technology and security solutions.  AI and facial recognition biometrics Facial recognition technology has exploded since its integration as a key feature in the security of smartphones, with the market estimated at $3.8 billion in 2020 and projected to grow to $8.5 billion by 2025. The technology has become more advanced and more secure than ever, with AI advances in augmented reality and machine learning improving technology and its ability to recognise human facial features. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled the growth of this biometric technology, with facial recognition becoming increasingly difficult with the introduction of face masks on a large scale. AI-based 3D biometrics are capable of searching vast databases of faces and comparing them with other faces in an image or video almost instantly, with a 99.5% accuracy rate. This means that AI could overcome these identification issues by matching the face of a subject with an image in the database, even if they are wearing a facemask. This is done by breaking the human face into various data points, for example, the distance between the eyes or the height of the cheekbones. The AI uses these data points to account for variations including things like distance from the camera, or different angles of the person’s face.  Without the integration of AI, facial recognition was much less secure against hacking with images of a person\’s face or a person who looked similar. Machine learning has helped mitigate these risks with various anti-spoofing methods.  AI and voice recognition biometric technology Like facial recognition biometric technology, the voice recognition market has experienced huge growth, valued at $10.7 billion in 2021, with projections of a 16.7% increase between 2021 and 2026. Voice recognition has boomed since smart devices like Google Home, Amazon Alexa and ‘Siri’ on the iPhone, came onto the market. Voice recognition has helped overcome issues with traditional authentication systems, where passwords and logins are forgotten, in situations (like in a car) where hands-free capabilities are needed for safety and to secure individuals and organisations against fraud. Recent AI deep learning research has improved biometric voice recognition dramatically, with the technology moving close to human accuracy. AI voice authentication analyses speed, accent, volume, style, language and pitch in voice identity verification, creating a unique speech template for an individual. As these advances in AI and biometric technology have continued, voice recognition technology has become more sophisticated and its use has evolved from basic home assistants to applications for privacy and security. For example, organisations are employing voice biometrics to mitigate telephone fraud, where criminals are impersonating customers over the phone. Phone systems have historically been an area where security is more easily breached which has resulted in IDs being stolen, funds diverted and company data being exposed. With AI helping to create unique voiceprints with high levels of accuracy, these types of fraud will be much easier to prevent.  The security of both facial and voice recognition biometric technology has been greatly improved and secured with the rapid advance in AI. A recent IBM study revealed that almost 25% of industries will have already implemented AI-based security and 40% plan to. If you are interested in protecting your business with the latest biometric security solutions, book a 30-minute consultation today. 

How AI is making biometric face and voice recognition more secure Read More »

contactless biometrics as a growing trend

Why Contactless Biometrics is a Growing Trend

At Arana Security, we have worked with industry experts to create state-of-the-art contactless biometrics solutions. In this article, we delve into the drivers behind this growing industry. While contactless biometrics solutions are already widely used across some sectors, particularly in BFSI services, the technology is now being expanded for much broader applications across industries, including government and law enforcement, healthcare, military and defence, retail, hospitality and education. The range of touchless technology to be utilised across these industries includes: Facial recognition Contactless fingerprint recognition Iris recognition Palm vein recognition Gait recognition Voice recognition Contactless cards Recent market research published by P&S Intelligence found that in 2021 the contactless biometrics market was worth around $17.3 million and is expected to reach $59.5 million by 2030. So, what are the drivers behind this huge projection of 14.6% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) for the forecasted period? Health and Safety (Post Covid19) Since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic, every industry has been forced to go through a huge shift, quickly adapting to new global health and safety mandates. A key factor in the successful adaptation to the virus has been the integration of contactless biometric devices. The pandemic has inadvertently fast-forwarded the development and public acceptance of these touchless technologies. Even in 2022, there is still a global focus on hygiene and concern about the spread of the virus. Contactless biometric technology allows for the verification of an identity without any physical contact while remaining highly secure, and there is evidence it is becoming increasingly popular post-COVID-19. For example, 32% of businesses now plan to implement touchless access control according to ‘The 2022 State of Physical Access Control Report’ by HID Global. The surge in demand for this touchless tech because of the pandemic has improved accessibility as costs decrease and a growing number of companies worldwide discover the benefits of these solutions. Law Enforcement and Fraud Prevention The rapid development of these contactless biometrics has had huge implications for law enforcement worldwide, including tackling identity fraud and improving border control. For example: In Ireland police may soon be able to use real-time facial recognition and forensic face biometrics from public surveillance cameras. A recent report by Transparency Market Research has suggested North America will lead the global touchless biometrics market, adopting the tech for government and military applications. They highlight that since 2017, the El Paso Police Department has been using biometrics including facial recognition, iris scanning and fingerprint ID for border security. The market has also seen significant uptake across the Asia Pacific for defence purposes, particularly in the fight against increasing terrorist attacks. The implications of this technology for fraud prevention are clear. It is much more difficult to hack a password when it is physiological (facial authentication for your iPhone, for example). The improved security also lies in the accuracy of the technology. A 2020 study found that facial recognition technology is as accurate as 99.97%. The banking and finance sector has significantly contributed to the growth of the industry with their adoption of contactless biometric devices for fraud prevention, securing data and replacing more traditional security which is more susceptible to attacks (PINS and passwords). Government Adoption of Contactless Biometrics Market research shows that the government sector is the largest end user in the contactless biometrics market, driving its growth. As well as for virus control following the COVID-19 pandemic, national governments have been adopting these systems to control crime, improve immigration control and for the security of government buildings. For example, in 2021 the Immigration Department of Hong Kong announced the launch of their ‘Contactless e-Channel service,’ saying: ‘This initiative aims to provide faster, more convenient travel and a more hygienic immigration clearance service for residents.\” This contactless service for residents uses QR code scanning and facial recognition biometric technology. In 2021, the UK government\’s Home Office outlined a new plan to use automated gates and contactless corridors for identity and security checks at UK airports. This would mean passengers could verify their identity without their passport, using biometrics. They stated that new plans are aimed at improving ‘both security and the passage of legitimate travellers through the border’. Biometric Update has reported that Jamaica is implementing a pilot digital biometric ID system to help citizens access their cash assistance schemes. In April 2022, the government reported that $300 Jamaican dollars were still uncollected by beneficiaries. In Pakistan, a social intervention program using a biometrics-based ID card is being rolled out to help women benefit from cash support. Here at Arana Security, we have the latest contactless biometric solutions including touchless fingerprint recognition, multimodal recognition combining fingerprints and vein patterns, facial recognition and iris recognition. If you’d like to be part of the growing ‘contactless biometric trend’ or learn more about how it can benefit your business, speak to one of our team and schedule a security consultation today.

Why Contactless Biometrics is a Growing Trend Read More »