For years companies have utilized passwords and passcodes as access control measures to protect data centers and server cabinets from unauthorized access or internal malfeasance. Now, according to published reports, those technologies are being replaced quickly by cutting-edge biometric technology which is seen as a more effective alternative.

Passwords being cracked
As technology explodes, hackers are getting more sophisticated software that enables them to crack passwords and codes more quickly and effectively putting companies at a grave disadvantage or even in dire straits. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that four digit PINS are on the way out, in part, because companies don't choose difficult combinations for their passwords and codes. Carnegie-Mellon's Marios Saviddes, said it's no surprise that companies and consumers are turning to biometrics for security.

"Passwords are getting easier to crack," explained Savvides, "And when you try to create stronger passwords, you end up writing them down – which defeats the purpose."

Biometric technology is effective and secure
Biometric security captures unique personal characteristics that each employee has – their fingerprints. These are non-replicable and very difficult to fake or duplicate. Once an employee has scanned their fingerprints into the company database, unless their print matches the one on file they cannot gain access to vital and secure areas. No password to punch-in that someone could monitor either in-person or on camera and no risk of sensitive data loss to criminal elements. Fingerprint scanning prevents virtually any danger to the data center that may arise, according to The Gazette story.

Is the password really on its way out?
While many experts have said the password and codes are on their proverbial death beds, a Security Info Watch story said not so fast. Passwords and PINS, noted the article, are the most utilized and cheapest methods available and it's doubtful that companies and consumers will change their habits in the near future. However, proponents of biometric security are developing state-of-the-art software on an almost daily basis further strengthening the move toward biometrics for companies around the world.

A recent TalentZoo article said that while some companies are holding on to passwords and codes many more are switching to biometric technology and will likely do so in increasing numbers in the years to come. In fact, stated TalentZoo, several experts they spoke with said that passwords will be almost completely gone within 5 years.

In the Post-Gazette report, SANS Institute of San Francisco's, Chris Crowley, explained that consumer trends about passwords translate into the business realm and manufacturers of personal and mobile devices have learned a lot about personal habits from businesses already employing biometric technology.

"Because manufacturers know users are unlikely to select complex pass codes on their mobile devices, they have driven biometrics to compel users to utilize authentication,"

Whether for use in consumer-driven industry or to protect proprietary and sensitive information in data center security, fingerprint scanning is rapidly becoming a fast, reasonable and very effective option for companies looking to protect their assets and investments. With advancing technology company managers are truly seeing a buffet table of protective options for their operations. Intense research of the products available, knowing what the company's security needs are and how to deploy new technology are all items a company needs to understand before switching protections for their business.

Biometric technology provides access control, server cabinet protection and peace of mind to a company executive staying awake nights worrying about keeping crucial information away from prying eyes and in security compliance. Being safe from data loss and internal or external incursion can save a business from spending big money in disaster recovery and/or fines to regulatory agencies.

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