Hitachi Data Systems Biometrics at work loom over Middle East , survey reveals
Posted: 29 September 2004
EMEA organisations expect biometrics in offices soon
The majority of companies are considering the introduction of biometric technology to increase workplace security, according to a new independent survey commissioned as part of the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index. The survey finds that 55 percent of firms say they are currently considering the introduction of iris scanning and fingerprint recognition systems. This comes amid growing adoption of biometric technology by border control and public sector organisations.
The survey reveals that more than two-thirds of companies (68 percent) believe that the use of biometrics in office buildings is a justified security measure, while just 39 percent anticipate staff `or customer resistance to the technology. Likewise, relatively few respondents (37 percent) thought that ‘Big Brother’ style abuse of biometric information was likely – either by companies or government agencies.
“It seems that attitudes towards biometrics are rapidly improving as the technology becomes more common and people recognise the growing security benefits,” says John Bentley, Sales Director, Hitachi Data Systems Middle East. “Of course, companies will still need to comply with various privacy and data protection regulations that govern how long personal information can be stored and what it can be used for – which presents a further IT challenge for many.”
However, the survey also finds that fewer than one in five biometric technology deployments are expected to be ready for use within the next 12 months. Concerns over possible technical malfunctions and data security breeches suggest that most deployments will be delayed while new IT systems are developed to protect against such risks. Around half of those polled (51 percent) cited the risk of crimes such as electronic ID theft as a cause of concern for organisations using and storing biometric information. A similar number, 47 percent, felt that technical malfunctions, such as staff being accidentally locked out of buildings, could be a potential problem area.
“One of the biggest hurdles to faster adoption of biometrics is ensuring that biometric data is stored securely and efficiently, whilst also ensuring that the system can carry on functioning properly in the event of any part of the IT network going down. This requires companies to put in place effective business continuity processes and to invest in technologies like remote replication and data backup, automated data management and data encryption”, explains John Bentley.
Hitachi Data Systems’ study also found that the use of biometrics is widely supported for a wide range of government and financial applications. In particular, 80 percent or respondents agreed that it was justified for border control and government building security, respectively, whilst 89 percent said it was warranted within the security services. Almost as many backed the use of biometrics for credit card validation (74 percent) and ID cards, including driving licences and proof-of-age cards (70 percent). The least supported application of the technology was in administering welfare payments, with 53 percent in favour and 40 percent against.
Possible risks to organisations routinely using and storing biometric information |
‘Likely’ or ‘very likely’
to happen (proportion of respondents)
|
Data security issues, leading to crimes such as ID theft |
51% |
Technical malfunctions |
47% |
Staff and/or customer resistance |
39% |
‘Big Brother’ style abuses |
37% |
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