Security has evolved significantly over the past several decades. From a simple lock and key to high-tech RFID badges, facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanners, and video surveillance. One thing hasn’t changed, though: the need for a physical, human security presence.
RFID badges are more secure than keys, as they’re linked to a particular identity and there’s no master card. However, they’re easy to duplicate and badge numbers are typically incremental, making them easy to hack into.
Facial recognition systems are so sensitive today that they can not only be used to identify a person, they can also aid with detecting when a person is lying by measuring physical cues, like heart rate and retinal dilation. There’s no guarantee, however, that these wireless lie-detectors are accurate. For example, an increased heart rate may indicate that a person is lying. Or it can indicate that he or she is nervous, excited, or happy. Without a person there to understand other subtle social cues, there’s no way to know.
Iris recognition is a high-tech, non-invasive way to identify someone, as an iris is as individual as DNA. Iris scanners can still be fooled, though, by a clear, high-quality photo of someone’s eye.
While technology has come a long way in helping to keep our businesses and communities safe, there is still a need for safety and security guards. These professionals understand context, and social and cultural cues that aren’t registered or understood by technology. Having a security guard on property also helps residents and employees to feel safe by giving a friendly, courteous face to the entity that is keeping them safe.
