SISY 2017 • IEEE 15th International Symposium on Intelligent Systems and Informatics • September 14-16, 2017 • Subotica, Serbia
Security Systems: The Introduction of Biometric
Technology as a Smart Solution
Lourdes Cecilia Ruiz Salvador*
* Obuda University/Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
lourdes.ruiz@bgk.uni-obuda.hu
Abstract— Corporations are always in need to strengthen
their security systems due to the assets they need to protect
and ongoing security threats. Traditional security methods
are at their maximum working capacity. In order to face
present and future risks it is necessary a reliable
identification system. In addition, it is essential to focus in a
holistic security system approach which can be able to
integrate innovative solutions such as biometric technology.
Biometric authentication is indeed a helpful tool that
enhances security by providing an effective identification
using biological characteristics of an individual. The
following study describes how biometric technology can be
introduced in an organization’s security system, using the
example of a pharmaceutical company.
INTRODUCTION
Organizations’ security needs depend on the
complexity of their processes and the nature of their
businesses. Physical security nowadays is not enough for
daily work activities or asset protection. It is essential to
incorporate an integrated security system into the
company. This system consists of different security
components such as: Access Control, Video Surveillance
and Intrusion systems. These components are a must to
protect corporate goods and personnel.
Biometric technology plays a vital role in security
systems. Biometric characteristics are used to enhance
safety because these traits are intrinsic for each person,
which allows an effective identification. Organizations
generally use this technology for monitoring staff and
granting access to authorized personnel to specific areas
or networks. In addition, it can be used in conjunction
with any of the components of an integrated security
system.
Pharmaceutical organizations need security solutions
due to the sensitive information and materials they
manage in everyday activities. Serious threats that can
lead into criminal activities such as terrorism can occur if
high security levels are not implemented in
pharmaceutical facilities. Biometric technology takes part
as a useful tool to increase safety since it can effectively
authorize or deny access into restricted areas. Moreover,
it can track employees at all times inside company’s
premises and offers accountability if safety incidents
occur [1].
978-1-5386-3855-2/17/$31.00 ©2017 IEEE
The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe
biometric technology as an added value to an
organization’s security system by describing the design of
a security system in a pharmaceutical company.
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Safety is a priority in any industry, not only for
protecting people but physical and digital assets. Security
concerns nowadays are rising among companies due to
the increment of terrorist incidents and online criminal
incidents. Organizations need to prevent unauthorized
entry into sensitive areas, data or valuable resources.
Moreover, electronic security systems market is expected
to exceed US$80 billion by 2020. United States is the
largest market worldwide followed by Europe [2].
Access control, video surveillance, and intrusion systems
can be used in conjunction to provide an integral solution
system.
• Access control systems, are utilized to control
who or what can view or use resources at an
organization. They are divided into two groups:
physical and logical. Physical access control
refers to specific areas such as buildings or
rooms. Logical access refers to computer
networks, files or data. The authorization,
identification, authentication and access control
processes of this system is performed by the
usage of login credentials such as passwords,
PINs, biometric traits and physical or electronic
keys [3].
• Video Surveillance systems offer the possibility
of monitoring even if the observer is not present
on site. The information collected through the
cameras in the Closed-Circuit Television
(CCTV) system can be stored, evaluated and
repeated as many times as necessary [4].
• Intrusion systems monitor if an authorized entry
happened inside company’s facility outside
working hours. Door or window sensors, motion
detectors, glass break detectors, panic buttons
are installed as part of this system [5].
Biometric technology can be used along with any of
these systems, providing an advanced security design.
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Lourdes Cecilia Ruiz Salvador • Security Systems: The Introduction of Biometric Technology as a Smart Solution
BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY AS AN ADDED VALUE TO
SAFETY
Security needs are changing throughout the time.
Traditional identification technologies such as passwords,
tokens or identity cards are pushed to their limits.
Organizations’ basic security need is to have a reliable
identification system. Biometric security is the most
reliable technology regarding identification because it
uses for authentication purposes, biological
characteristics that are inherent and unique for each
person [6].
Biometrics encompasses physical or behavioral
characteristics of a person such as fingerprints, palm, iris,
retina, gait, keystroke, voice, etc. The main advantage of
a biometric authentication system is the fact that it can
connect directly with the user, providing a track of their
actions at the moment that is identified and granted
access to the system. It is based on the identification
concept of what a person is rather than what knows or
possesses, which gives a considerable advantage over
traditional methods. Consequently, the possibility of ID
cards or tokens theft or loss is eliminated and users don’t
need to memorize passwords or share access codes [7].
The principal corporate usage of this technology is for
identification purposes. Biometric traits can be used
conveniently for obtaining physical but also virtual area
access and can be linked to specific actions so in case of a
security incident, the responsible can be easily identified.
Multi factor authentication methods should be applied in
a security system that requires high security levels. An
example of a two- step verification system can be the
combination of a biometric characteristic such as
fingerprints that proves who the person is and a
traditional identifying method such as an ID card that is
something that the person has or a password that is
something a person knows. This method enhances
security because it adds a second layer of security to the
system [8].
Fingerprints
Fingerprints are the most popular biometric features
used in security systems due to their individuality and
persistence. Fingerprint readers are commonly used in the
workplace to record employees’ work hours and for
granting access to specific areas. Fingerprint based
systems are easy to use, install and integrate with other
security systems. The devices used are small, cheap and
have low power consumption.
Facial Recognition
Face recognition is generally used because it does not
require physical contact between the user and the device.
It is necessary to use a digital camera to perform the
authentication. A facial recognition based system is easy
to install and does not require expensive hardware. It is
used in physical access control systems and for logging
into computers [9] [10].
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Iris Recognition
The iris of the eye is a stable biometric characteristic. It
is developed in humans at 10 months of age and does not
change throughout time. Due to this fact, it is considered
more accurate and faster than other biometric
characteristics. It is a non-invasive technique, in which no
physical contact is required for identification. Iris
recognition is commonly used to protect high security
areas such as laboratories, research facilities and bank
premises [11].
Palm Vein
Palm veins are considered the most secure biometric
characteristic. They are difficult to forge since they are
located on the subcutaneous layer of skin. A palm vein
recognition system provides different advantages such as:
accuracy, reliability and cost efficiency. This biometric
trait is usually used with multilayer security [12].
Privacy Issues
It is important to note that privacy concerns regarding
the collection, storing and usage of biometric data are
hindering the application of this technology. This type of
data is considered sensitive, since it is what makes a
person unique. Users consider this technology intrusive
and a violation of their rights. Additionally, when used
for identification, it can leave a trace of personal
information. Misuse of data, the possibility of sharing,
stealing and the association of biometric identifiers with
private data between different databases are serious
concerns among system users [13]. It is necessary to
take into consideration personal data regulations and laws
when designing a security system that involves biological
characteristic collection.
BIOMETRIC SECURITY AT A PHARMACEUTICAL
INDUSTRY
A pharmaceutical company has specific security needs
due to the essence of its business. Thus, controlled
substances produced at pharmaceutical facilities are
target for criminal activities. External, internal robbery,
corporate espionage and drug counterfeit are main safety
concerns. Research information and manufacturing
techniques used for drug production are considered
valuable assets among this industry. In addition, materials
and chemicals used for the production process are
dangerous and have the potential to be used for the
elaboration of weapons that can lead into terrorism [14].
According to Cisco 2014 report, the pharmaceutical
industry is in the top three industries having high threat
perception. The crown records management survey on
2015, reported that two thirds of pharmaceutical
companies have been victims of data breaches and a
quarter have been hacked [15].
 SISY 2017 • IEEE 15th International Symposium on Intelligent Systems and Informatics • September 14-16, 2017 • Subotica, Serbia
Due to these issues, it is vital to implement an integral
security system. Moreover, enhance its security by the
introduction of biometric technology. Biometric
identifiers contribute to effectively grant access to
authorized personnel intro critical areas and networks
inside the company. Moreover, these biological
characteristics can monitor employees always, which it is
important for the investigation of accountability on safety
incidents.
As an example, a pharmaceutical plant in need of a high
security system is going to be analyzed. It is a research
and development facility that comprises administrative
offices, research laboratories and development areas
where small amounts of products are manufactured.
SECURITY SYSTEM: PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
A holistic security approach will be implemented in the
design of the security system. That means the integration
of advanced security systems in conjunction with
biometric identifiers, in order to offer one comprehensive
solution [16]. This security solution understands the
specific hazards and risk levels of the facility and it is
tailored according to the pharmaceutical plant safety
needs.
The following capabilities will be introduced into the
system:
• Surveillance and protection of the facility’s
perimeter with intrusion systems
• Access control verifying who enters and leaves
the plant.
• Monitoring of the workers’ and visitor
movements at any part of the plant in real time
and asset electronically location.
• Restrict the entrance to sensitive areas
• Track material movement and storage
Intrusion System
The intrusion system will be provided by Honeywell
security. It consists of window, door opening and motion
sensors in every room. In addition, glass break sensors,
will be activated in the research and manufacturing areas.
These features will inform unauthorized entries, sound an
alarm and alert the security station.
Access Control System
For accessing the building and administrative offices the
device that will be installed is the Morpho Access
SIGMA series. This device is a fingerprint reader used
for employees’ identification. It also includes time and
attendance features that will monitor the time the worker
enters the building and leave the workplace. It has a
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friendly interface for employee usage and an antifraud
detection system [17].
For the high security rooms, iris identification will be
used. In the laboratories, research and manufacturing
areas; it is not possible to use fingerprint identification
because of gloves’ usage. For this reason, a contactless
device is the most suitable option to protect clinical trials
information, new drug research and key components for
drug production and make sure that just authorized
personnel will have access to these areas. The device
chosen is IrisAccess 7000. This device recognizes the iris
of the eye from 35 cm away and can be used with
personal protective equipment such as googles.
Moreover, it can stand harsh environments such as a
laboratory or a manufacturing plant. It offers a time and
attendance feature which can control the activities in
these places. It also allows integration with other devices
[18].
In addition, for protecting valuable assets such as
information related to clinical trials or a new drug
discovery and development; an electronic signature
system based on biometric characteristics will be
implemented to grant access to electronic resources. This
system uses a two-factor authentication; in this case, it
will be a password and an iris scan. Xyntek industry will
provide the software for this application. Moreover, this
software allows the integration of different biometric
sensors [19].
Access will be granted depending on the users’
permissions such as authority, type of role in the
company and time of the day.
Surveillance Systems
A CCTV system provided by Honeywell will be
implemented in the plant. Cameras will be placed at
specific areas such as the laboratories and manufacturing
sites to monitor daily activities. Additionally, cameras at
the building entrance and the parking lot will be
implemented to check who is entering or exiting the
premises and for tracking sensitive material
transportation and storage. A video log will be recorded
of everyone passing through the doors or attempting to
access the building [20].
Table 1 shows a summary of the Security system for a
Pharmaceutical company, specifications and pictures of
the biometric devices.
Lourdes Cecilia Ruiz Salvador • Security Systems: The Introduction of Biometric Technology as a Smart Solution
TABLE I:
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY SECURITY
SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
Security System Specifications
Windows door opening sensors, motion sensors and
Intrusion System glass break sensors provided by Honeywell
Administrative Offices: Morpho Access SIGMA
Fingerprint Reader.
Restricted Areas: Iris Access 7000
Access Control
System Electronic Sources: Xyntek Software
Surveillance System Cameras provided by Honeywell
BIOMETRIC DATA ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Biometric information acquired in a security system
needs to be secure itself. This information is digitally
recorded and stored. It should have limited access and the
people accessing to this data should be monitored.
Moreover, if possible it should include anonymous
identification and template encryption [21].
Other important aspect during the security system
design is to follow the purpose and proportionality
principles. An analysis should be performed of whether
the biometric data collection is necessary or other less
intrusive method can be taken to serve the same purpose
[22]. It is necessary to know what company assets should
be protected with biometric technology. Considering the
pharmaceutical example, intellectual property, innovative
advancements in drugs creation and new research are the
assets that should mainly be guarded using biometric
identification.
CONCLUSIONS
Biometric technology application is without doubts the
option required for high security systems since traditional
methods are losing its intended purpose. This technology
is gaining market and acceptation among different
organizations because it provides a reliable identification
and authentication. As shown in this study, the
pharmaceutical industry is not the exception. This
industry requires high security levels due to the essence
of its business.
An important aspect of designing a security system is
the integration capability of all the components of the
system. In that way, it offers a faster response in case of
emergency and the implementation and maintenance
Source
costs are reduced.
ௗ [5]
It is essential to recognize that biometric
characteristics are not suitable for all users. It is crucial to
analyze carefully what biometric trait is going to be
acquired to prevent conflicts with the users that will
interfere in the implementation of this technology.
When designing a security system, there is not one
exact solution. It will depend on the specific needs, risks,
threats, budget and assets to be protected. As
ௗ [17] implementers, it is necessary to provide a safety solution
that fits with the company’s requirements and it is cost
effective.
It is important to consider the regulations and standards
that govern these types of businesses and the devices
required to perform the identification and authentication
ௗ [11]
before starting the design of the security system. In this
way, the whole security system will comply with the
ௗ [19] specifications.
ௗ [16]
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