Privacy concerns
Many people have legitimate concerns about the privacy of their biometric data. After all, it’s not like a password – you can’t change your fingerprint if it’s compromised. A high quality biometric system doesn’t store images of fingerprints or faces. Instead, it converts them into encrypted mathematical templates. These templates can’t be used to recreate the original biometric data, which makes them useless if stolen.
The real risk is not biometrics itself. It’s choosing low-quality systems that don’t follow best practices for encryption and storage.
“Biometrics can be hacked”
This is one of the most common objections. Yes, like any technology, no system is 100% immune. But biometrics is often more secure than traditional methods. Cards get lost. PIN codes get shared. It happens all the time on site. Biometric data is tied to the individual. When combined with encryption and secure storage, biometrics significantly reduces the most common causes of unauthorised access: human behaviour.
Initial setup costs
The setup costs of a biometric access control solution are higher than a traditional system. But for the tangible and intangible benefits biometric technology brings, it’s well worth the investment. The cost of a data breach can be immense, and it’s on the rise. In 2024, the global average cost of a data breach was USD $4.88 million – that’s 10% more than the previous year and the highest average ever recorded [4]. Sure, it might not happen to your business. But if someone tried, you’d be extremely relieved to have invested in biometric access control long beforehand.
False positives and false negatives
Accuracy is also a common concern for those unsure about biometric access control. What happens if a valid user is not granted access? Or even worse, what happens when an unauthorised user manages to gain access to the premises? These errors are called False Rejections and False Acceptances. (You can it’s about the balance between security and convenience. The higher the acceptance threshold in the system, the more secure it will be. But that might well come at the cost of increasing the rate of false rejections. Every organisation will have different priorities, and a good system will accommodate most of them.
“Biometrics is difficult to use”
Another myth that still sticks. In reality, biometrics often simplifies access. No cards to carry. No codes to remember. No resets. For the end user, it’s usually faster than traditional access methods. For the installer, it often means fewer support calls after installation.
How to migrate to biometric access control
Assess your current system
The first step is to conduct a comprehensive security audit to identify vulnerabilities in the existing system. Look at who will use the system, what accommodations they need, and whether the priority is more security or more convenience.
Choose the right biometric solution based on business needs
Fingerprint readers are by far the most common biometric technology used for access control. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone.
For example, in a warehouse where staff are carrying boxes, a system that requires a free hand might not be ideal. In those cases, other biometric options can be more practical.
It also matters how the biometric reader fits into the rest of the system. If it requires separate software, extra configuration or double administration, it quickly becomes time-consuming.
Solutions like ievo fingerprint readers can be integrated directly with access control systems such as ATRIUM, making it easy to manage users, permissions and events in one place instead of juggling multiple platforms.
With a native integration between ievo biometrics and ATRIUM access control system, installers can connect the reader via an interface module directly to the controller. Everything is then handled inside the ATRIUM software. Enrollment is quicker, changes happen in real time, and there’s no need for separate systems.
For sites that already have another access control system in place, ievo can also be integrated with several third-party platforms. That means you can upgrade security with biometrics without having to replace the entire installation.
Find a reputable installer to complete the project
Even the best system will underperform if it’s poorly installed or configured. Choosing an installer with proper training and product knowledge makes a huge difference, both for performance and long-term reliability.
At CDVI we train installers to have a comprehensive knowledge of our systems, ensuring they can install and set them up quickly and easily.
Conclusion
Now is the time to migrate to biometric access control. With the sophistication and rapidly increasing frequency of cybersecurity attacks, it’s an investment in your organisation’s future. Read more about biometrics increase here. Don’t wait for an expensive and damaging breach to open your eyes to the immense added value of biometric security.
