Guarding technology

May 2011 Access Control & Identity Management

Biometric fingerprint readers are often the choice of access control at the entrance to business premises or residential developments. These readers are often situated in public areas where people pass by all the time. As it is a public area, there is very little that can be done to keep people away from a reader.

Fortunately, most people will just walk past without even noticing the fingerprint reader. However, somebody with malicious intent may pass the reader. This person may decide to vandalise the reader for any number of reasons – gaining forced entry, avoiding late clocking penalties, spite or just plain thrill-seeking. Not only will this place you and your property at risk, but it could also result in fraud (inaccurate timesheets) or overcrowding in residential complexes.

When specifying a reader for use in a public or unguarded area, the possibility of vandalism should always be taken into account!

Regal Security and ZKSoftware have addressed this issue with the introduction of the LK173 fingerprint reader. Regal has been successfully selling the LK170 into the local market for a number of years and the LK173 is its successor. The LK173 is built into a rugged metal housing, instead of the plastic used by so many other fingerprint readers.

The electronics of the LK173 are the same as the tried and trusted LK170. The scanner is the same reliable scanner and the interface is the same easy to use keypad and LCD. Configuration and use will be familiar to anyone who has worked with the LK170. Even if you are not familiar with the LK170, you will find that the LK173 is simple to operate and very user friendly.

The LK173 can be used either as a standalone unit, or can be connected to a PC by RS232, RS485 or Ethernet (recommended). Once connected to the PC, the LK173 uses the same software as the other ZKSoftware products. This means that you can easily add the LK173 to your existing system (or replace a vulnerable LK170) without installing new programs and databases. Data can also be imported from existing LK170’s and then transferred seamlessly to the LK173.

And, the software comes packaged with the reader – free, no licences, no codes, no registration, no dongles.

So, next time you need to install a fingerprint reader in a vulnerable location, consider the metal-cased, vandal-resistant LK173. If you have a fingerprint reader that is regularly being damaged, then maybe it is time to consider changing to the more robust LK173.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

A platform for access and identity at Securex 2025
Securex South Africa Access Control & Identity Management Facilities & Building Management
South African companies involved in supplying access control technology, security services, and data management are well-positioned to tap into the expanding access control market at Securex 2025.

Read more...
Background checks: risk levels and compliance
iFacts Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
Conducting background checks is a vital step in the hiring process for employers or when engaging service providers; however, it is crucial to understand the legal framework and regulations governing these checks.

Read more...
Insurance provider uses Net2 For access management
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions Healthcare (Industry)
BestMed selected Paxton Net2 for its access control requirements because of its simplicity of installation and ease of navigation for end users, as well as the 5-year warranty.

Read more...
Identity is a cyber issue
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Identity and access management telemetry has emerged as the most common source of early threat detection, responsible for seven of the top 10 indicators of compromise leading to security investigations.

Read more...
Embracing contactless access solutions
HID Global Access Control & Identity Management
There has long been a discussion of the perils and virtues of authentication factors. Is it more secure to use something we have (a key card), something we know (a password), or something we are (biometrics)?

Read more...
Smart access for a safer community
neaMetrics Suprema Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Products & Solutions Commercial (Industry)
Suprema has released its BioEntry W3 facial authentication access control device with multiple authentication options, including RFID cards as well as mobile credentials, designed for durability and resilience.

Read more...
The power of knowing your client
Ideco Biometrics Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
One of the most effective ways to combat the threat of fraud, identity theft, and financial crime threats is through a robust Know Your Client (KYC) process, which safeguards both businesses and clients.

Read more...
Smarter ways to secure your space
Elvey Security Technologies Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
Ensuring the safety of people and assets has become more crucial than ever, and access control systems provide essential tools to regulate and monitor who can enter specific areas or access sensitive resources.

Read more...
Facial recognition in national security
Access Control & Identity Management Government and Parastatal (Industry)
As global security challenges evolve, facial recognition technology provides a vital edge by turning our unique identities into powerful assets for national defence and changing a sea of anonymity into a line of defence.

Read more...
Federated identity orchestration
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management AI & Data Analytics
Understanding exactly who resides at the end of a digital device is key, and simple identity number verification by the Department of Home Affairs is no longer a viable solution on its own.

Read more...