Combining ease of use with an unparalleled level of security, fingerprint access control has been a fundamental part of the security systems of many major companies.
The appeal is that they are quicker to use than entering a password or keycode and they do not rely on a card or an NFC keyfob that could potentially be lost, removing the security risk that comes with that.
However, one question that has been asked is what happens if someone happens to lose or change their fingerprints, the likelihood that it can cause a problem and what contingencies should be in place.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Fingerprint Damage?
A fingerprint is exceptionally unique, and enough characteristics to be identifiable for biometric purposes will generally be retained throughout your life as long as the scanner is sufficiently accurate.
However, there are a few industries and activities that can change fingerprints. Whilst this is most commonly seen with people who handle lime or bleach on a regular basis, it can also be found with bricklayers and secretaries, as frequent handling of bricks and paper wears down the ridges of the skin needed for identification.
Some cuts and burns which cause scarring can also affect fingerprints as well, as can some conditions such as hand-foot syndrome, which can cause swelling in the palms and fingertips.
This can be enough to affect the manual taking of fingerprints, as well as some fingerprint scanners which do not use ultrasound or other 3D scanning methods.
Is Damage Permanent?
It can depend on the type of damage caused, but in most common cases where fingerprints are unable to be read due to fingerprint damage, the disruption will only last until the skin regenerates. This can take upwards of 30 days.
In most cases that is usually the end of it, but for some professions where there is common exposure to abrasive or chemical damage to the fingertips, there may not be enough time between jobs to allow the skin to naturally heal, which is why there are concerns it could be permanent.
On the other hand, cuts, burns and scarring which go deeper than the outer layer of the skin do cause permanent damage, but they also create another unique fingerprint profile that a scanner will pick up.
As well as this, only a small number of ridge details are required to confirm a fingerprint, as many people who have attempted to deliberately mutilate their fingerprints have ultimately found out.
What Can You Do About Fingerprint Damage?
The best way to avoid fingerprint damage becoming a concern in fields where biometric access control is necessary but could be affected by certain tasks in the job itself is to have contingency methods for access.
This could be as simple as taking multiple fingerprints, as it is unlikely that all eight fingers and two thumbs will have their identifiable ridges eroded away entirely.
As well as this, having keyfobs, keys or keycodes will ensure that people can still access doors, safes and timekeeping equipment when necessary.
Leave A Comment