Biometric security for the Air Travel Sector

The development of biometric security technology has paved the way for significant changes in the way passengers experience air travel. The current COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the global shift towards the increased use and reliance on biometrics in the air travel industry. The sudden heightened need for a contact-free approach to many processes and services across most industries has highlighted several benefits of using biometric security systems. With the air travel industry being one of the hardest affected by the global pandemic, its future is dependant on creating changes to the current system quickly. There is an immediate need to provide both employees and passengers with the tools they need to move through the airports with increased safety and efficiency.

The use of biometric security systems will make the travel experience more comfortable for passengers at the same time as increasing the efficacy for the airports to move travellers through in a way that will not compromise on the security or safety.

How can Biometrics Help?

The use of biometric security systems will help to improve the travel experience for passengers while also giving a higher level of assurances in relation to the risks emphasised by the current pandemic. Such systems will also help to create the added benefit for airports by moving passengers through in a way that is more efficient but does not compromise on security or safety of passengers and staff.

The biological identifiers such as fingerprints, iris scans and face-recognition are so unique to individuals that they can be used to identify a person with certainty that cannot be matched by the paper-based identification documents. Which brings about the potential for using our unique biometric data to authenticate ourselves for our journeys by mobile device or in airport terminals without the need for ID documents

1,200 million electronic passports are in use across more than 120 different countries globally. And 1.2 billion photos accessible in a standardised format by face recognition systems. So, the foundations have been set for implementation of face recognition technology that will benefit all involved. Using automated systems would solve for the bottlenecks in passenger flow which can be a big issue for airports at peak travel times. With the passenger numbers expected to double by 2030 reaching a predicted 5.9 billion, passenger flow will become more challenging across the world’s busy airports.

The use of face recognition can be expanded beyond security and check-in processes to include other airport services, such as paying for duty-free shopping, thus further streamlining and simplifying the airport experience for passengers. It’s possible to even further extend the uses of this technology beyond the airport and on to the aircrafts themselves to allow in-flight staff to provide much more personalised and higher quality of service.

The benefit of biometrics within airports is not only limited to the passengers but can be useful for identifying staff members and controlling the access to sensitive locations which in turn will lead to higher levels of security in a place that can be highly vulnerable.

With several trials currently happening, along with those planned in the near future, in airports across the globe using various biometric technologies, the air travel industry is being upgraded and subsequently bringing benefits to all.

The Potential of Voice Recognition and AI System

The Start of Voice Recognition

Capturing speech and transcribing it to text is the basis of the technology that is revolutionising the way people live and work. Over the last 50 years there has been exponential growth in voice technology. In 1952 the potential for voice recognition was first demonstrated. Then by 1976 computers could only understand around 1000 words. By the early 80\’s that number was around 20,000, with continuous development until 1996 when IBM released the first commercial product, that could recognise continuous speech.

In the last decade the development of Artificial intelligence technology (AI) has speared ahead the technology to unprecedented potential and turned it into a multi-billion Dollar market, expected to be worth $31.8 by 2025. AI is a term used to describe a series of related technologies that use large volumes of data to make predictions. So, in this case analysing the text that has been captured by voice recognition to predict the meaning and find a suitable response.

The machines ability to learn over time and become ‘better’ at predicting what is being said and its meaning has allowed the uses for voice recognition to grow, and the development of products such as Amazon’s echo and Apple’s Siri have quickly gained acceptance by consumers fr use of voice recognition and AI incorporated products. Voice recognition technology is today used by consumers to transcribe speech to text, set up reminders, internet searches, traffic and weather reports and get responses to simple questions and request.

The Use of Voice Recognition in Security Solutions

Voice recognition has also found a place in the security sector. The human voice is considered to be a type of biometric, known as a voiceprint. Each person has voice characteristic that are unique to them and can be used for the purpose of identification. Using voiceprint in this way is actually the easiest biometric to implement as it does not require the use of specialised equipment. With the continuous ‘learning’ potential of AI systems it means that the technology will become increasingly reliable and secure.

Voiceprint is already being used to authenticate customers on the telephone by banks. With its ease to implement, voiceprint can also create an added layer of security to existing multi-biometric identification processes.

Research has shown that voice recognition is favoured as a form of identification as it’s a non-contact and non-intrusive and easy to do. Although there is great promise, there are still potential challenges to Voice. The potential high error rate, due to variability in a person’s voice due to illness, mood changes, poor quality voice samples due to the presences of back ground noise are some issues yet to be overcome.

Security measures and applications to help organisations adapt to a world with COVID-19

The arrival of COVID 19 has forced many organisations to re-think the way they operate. With the knowledge that this threat has the potential to be around for the foreseeable future, many organizations are now having to adapt their workspaces to allow their employees to continue working and for their business to continue to operate.

COVID-19 has pushed several security solutions into the spotlight, one of which is contactless access control. With the need for businesses to protect their property but the added concern of hygiene, many are now looking to adopt contactless biometric solutions.

Below we have listed some of the solutions we believe can benefit businesses at this time.

MorphoWave Compact Access control

With IDEMIA\’s newest addition, the MorphoWave™ Compact and Arana Security’s customizable application, a contactless biometric access control solution for capturing and matching 4 fingerprints with a single hand movement, can be implemented. It implements a patented, truly contactless 3D fingerprint technology in a stylish and compact wall-mounted device, suitable for any location. The MorphoWave™ Compact acquires extremely accurate fingerprint data and overcomes the challenges of wet/dry fingers, and latent prints pose to the conventional scanning systems.

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D-Flow by Digicon gates

D-Flow is a new paradigm with normally open doors that brings more comfort, faster flows, with higher levels of accessibility and security. It can be teamed up with the MorphoWave Compact to give a true contactless experience.

Such technology can revolutionise industries such as the aviation industry. Boarding pass information can be stored and authenticated using the individual’s biometrics, meaning they can pass through the gates with no contact. Teamed with the open-door functionality of the d-flow, this solution can save on que times as well.

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QuikPay Shop, bag and go application for retailers

This application developed by Arana Security will allow customers to shop, scan, bag, and go with a simple mobile application. This minimizes any contact they may have with staff and payment terminals reducing the threat of COVID-19 for both customers and staff.

The application will need to be downloaded onto the customer\’s phone, create an account, scan items and then place them in their bag. The application is fully customisable for your organisation.

Contactless Biometric Payment Terminal

Arana Security has introduced a contactless payment terminal offering the latest technology for contactless payments. This is an integrated system using Idemia’s MorphoWave compact device and our customisable application to enrol users and verify payment at the cashier. This will help to adapt your business to offer touchless payment services to your customers in the current climate. This solution can be implemented in retail and financial institutions such as banks.

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VisionPass Facial recognition access control

Using IDEMIA’s VisionPass facial recognition and a customisable application Arana Security offers a fast, reliable, and contactless access control solution. This product uses the latest advances in Artificial Intelligence and facial recognition algorithms with a state-of-the-art optical set combining 2D, 3D, and infra-red cameras to meet most clients\’ expectations.

For more information, contact us at info@aranasecurity.com.

QuikPay- Shop, Bag & Go

Arana Security have launched a new application for contactless shopping. Introducing QuikPay, a new in-store shopping app that lets you scan your items as you go, bag them as you continue shopping and skip the checkout queues with the in-app payment. It is literally that simple, Scan…Bag…Go!

During the recent unprecedented times of change, having the ability to shop and remain contactless as much as possible became a challenge. With so many companies resorting to card payments only, many customers became concerned about the constant use of cards even on a tap and go basis. Arana Security made it our goal to assist in eliminating the risk even further with our QuikPay application, allowing for a smooth and completely contactless transaction to occur. QuickBuy also allows for rewards card to be connect to a customer’s profile too.

The application is simple and super easy to follow with a step by step introduction guide once downloaded. The stress-free process allows customers to get all their shopping over and done with in record time. Once the application is downloaded, the customer follows the prompts and completes the user form, and then proceeds through the shop scanning their items as they go and place them in their bag. When the customer has finished their shopping, they simply follow the steps to complete the in-app payment process and receive a completion barcode, which they then scan at the designated area before leaving.

Arana Security specialises in Biometric solution, Access Control, Smart card solutions and Surveillance systems. Our goal is to meet the needs of clients and fulfil their requirements through combining know-how, expertise and technology with excellent quality of support and services.

6 Ways you can keep your office safe

In the current climate many business premises have been left empty and so ensuring the premises is protected is more important than ever. Below we have defined some guidelines to follow in order to ensure your business is secure.

Alarm System

This is one of the basic security features any business should have. A monitored alarm system is essential to ensure you can secure your business when no one is in the office. They transmit emergency signals via a mobile phone connection. Some can even dispatch police to the premises when needed. Some systems can even have a two-way intercom.

Use effective lighting

It is much more likely for burglaries to happen at night, in fact 60% of burglaries in the UK do. So, having effective lighting outside your offices is a very important deterrent. If a burglar is looking at your office as a potential place to steal from, then effective outdoor lighting can make them feel as though they are being put under a microscope and vulnerable to being caught.

Install CCTV

The best way to protect your property and ensure it is safe and secure is by using an effective CCTV system. CCTV is a huge deterrent and if you combine it with effective lighting and locks, this is the ultimate trio to ensure your office’s security.

There is a wide range of CCTV systems out there that don’t have to be costly. However, it is important that you seek advice from a reputable company before installing CCTV as they will be able to advise where the CCTV cameras should be placed to have the optimum effect.

Use a biometric laptop/desktop lock

In case someone does gain unauthorised access to your office it is important to ensure your data is safe by using a biometric lock on all laptops or desktops. Biometric locks are much more secure as it is practically impossible for someone to get in without your biological characteristics. Whereas many hackers are able to get into password protected machines.

Important documents should be locked away

This one is especially important with the UK GDPR laws that are in place. There could be some serious financial implications if you do not take the appropriate steps to protect your clients’ information. If you own a business in which you deal with the private details of clients (which most businesses do!), then you are responsible for keeping their details safe and ensuring that they do not fall into the wrong hands. The loss of confidential documents can end up being detrimental to your business and so it is extremely important that you take this seriously.

Keep Cash Locked Away

As well as locking away any important documents, you should lock away any cash you may have. It is best to lock away cash in a Eurograde safe which is fixed into the wall. If you are unsure what Eurograde is, this is an essentially standard set out across Europe which measure how burglar-proof your safe really is. You can also include biometric to secure the safe and having the safe opened either using fingerprint, Iris or even facial recognition.

If you would like help in implementing some of our top tips on keeping your office safe then please get in touch.

Maintaining the Security of your Organisation during the COVID-19 Outbreak

The current global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has left the world reeling, with severe ramifications on both an economical and personal level. Unfortunately, in a world of diverse organisations from public to private sectors, the ripple effect is and will continue to be felt for some time to come. Before this outbreak many organisations were in the process of adapting their security to that of touchless devices but were faced with data collection privacy impacts. Now, as it happens, touchless is the best and only option to combat the issues of hygiene and avoid contamination.

In fact, the decision to stop using shared biometric readers, has been in line with the advice supplied by the health organisations and witnessed in other countries, where many government establishments have opted to abandon fingerprint authentication in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. The limiting or removal of the biometric system which requires contact, due to this pandemic, has increased the exposure of organisations and introduced further potential security breaches for individuals falsifying identification to pass through restricted areas. The use of touchless biometric devices is the way of the future but now it is a necessity to not only keep organisations and personnel secure, but to also maintain the highest level of hygiene and eliminate any concerns from individuals using the device.

Traditional biometrics require an individual to make physical contact with the device, increasing the risks of contamination and aiding in the distribution of potentially harmful germs. As we have been witnessing in the past few months, simple gestures like a hand shake or holding the same door handle as someone else can lead to catastrophic consequences when allowed to occur.

Contactless biometrics are not only less intrusive than the traditional devices but, they also sustain the ability to gather biometric samples without jeopardising the individual or the security standard required. Introducing a touchless device enables the peace of mind some may have regarding the cleanliness of the device and ensures the sterile space for such contact to be made without any actual physical interaction. The use of the contactless fingerprint device, Iris devices and facial recognition at a distance provides a more pleasant experience for the end user.

The current situation the entire world finds itself in with Covid-19, has also brought to light the very need for a large-scale technology transition into more hygienic and sterile security systems and encouraged more organisations to adopt contactless biometrics not only for the safety and security of themselves but also for the health and wellbeing of all involved.

Furthermore, removing the physical contact with devices also reduces the amount of maintenance required. Perhaps the biggest impact is seen with contactless fingerprint. Glass platens as found on traditional devices, can take a beating over time. As a result, they require ongoing cleaning and replacement of protective silicon pads or possibly even the entire device.

Contactless technology allows longer run times with less cleaning and fewer consumables necessary to support ongoing system availability.

Arana security offer a number of contactless access control, payment, time attendance and enrolment and verification systems.

What are biometrics

Biometrics is the use of people’s unique biological characteristics to identify and authenticate individuals. It’s considered to be the most reliable and efficient way for ID authentication. Unique identifiers include fingerprints, hand geometry, face geometry, retina and iris patterns and voice waves.

Current trends in Biometrics:

With increasing threats from identity fraud and theft and new threats such as terrorism, new and advanced technology solutions are required and being implemented.

Biometrics has established itself as one of the most pertinent means of identification and authentication. It is being rolled out across many different sectors including governmental, travel, education, corporate and financial.

Although there is some reluctance and public acceptance, the increase in accuracy and security has meant it is becoming more publicly accepted. This has meant that it is being rolled out across industries and applications faster than ever before.

Typical use cases where biometric technologies are used:

Law enforcement and public security (criminal/suspect identification)
Military (enemy/ally identification)
Border, travel, and migration control (traveller/migrant/passenger identification)
Civil identification (citizen/resident/voter identification)
Healthcare and subsidies (patient/beneficiary/healthcare professional identification)
Physical and logical access (owner/user/employee/contractor/partner identification)
Commercial applications (consumer/customer identification)
Commercial buildings

Types of Biometric Identification

The oldest form of biometric verification is fingerprinting. Historians have found examples of thumbprints being used in ancient China as a means of unique identification on clay. Many law enforcement organisations have been using ink fingerprint identification for many decades. However, more recently Biometric verification has advanced considerably with computerized databases and the digitalising of analogue data.

Iris and retina biometrics was the next biometric methods to become more widely utilised. Iris identification became popular in the financial sector. More recently Facial and hand geometry has been the emerging technology and more widely used. An example of such technology is the iDemia MorphoWave Compact which uses hand geometry for identification. Facial-recognition technology has been used by law enforcement alongside CCTV for some time now to pick out individuals, however, more recently it is being used across different industries including mobile phones.

AI and Voice recognition is the most recent advancement in biometric identification. This method is being rolled out more in the commercial sector for consumers across many different applications and is becoming increasingly popular.

How are Biometrics used?

No matter what biometric methodology is used, the identification and authentication process remains the same. A record of a person\’s unique characteristic is captured and kept in a database or locally on a device. When identification and verification are needed, a new record is captured and compared with the previous record in the database/device. If the data in the new record matches that in the database record, the person\’s identity is confirmed.