MATA BioTech M28 fingerprint door lock

by Donald Melanson, posted Jan 25th 2005 at 11:16AM

Yeah, yeah we know biometric door locks aren't exactly news, but MATA BioTech's M28 fingerprint recognition lock seems to be one of the first semi-reasonably priced ones for home or, more conceivably, small business use. It'll run you $400 but you can install it yourself and kiss your keys goodbye cause you'll be kickin' it James Bond style from now on. It can store up to 10 fingerprints and is powered by two AA batteries which are supposed to last up to a year (you really don't want these batteries to die on you, either). They also have a $300 fingerprint drawer lock if you need to hide, you know, sensitive documents.

[Via GeekZone]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Saw this in popMECH last week I think. Cool I spose as long as you keep your fingers attached. Also saw a marker that uses invisabl ink so you can brand your own gadgets. Then shine a UV light on them, so show its ID :) pretty cool stuff...

http://www.godmode.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=48

Neutral

TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Neutral

adi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

surely it would be wise to inlude a normal key as well? otherwise when the batteries do die you really are a little buggered. i imagine a locksmith wouldn't be much help in that situation... or at least not as much help as a crowbar.

Neutral

adi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

on further reading of the links, it seems they do have common sense "As a fail safe, three identical mechanical keys are included to manually open the door if needed"

Neutral

shrinkydinx @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

if only there were more traditional-looking ones...

Neutral

Yazz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Humm $400 what about this one fro hhjust under $200.. http://www.biometricsdirect.com/Products/FA/FS-310.htm

Neutral

Douglas @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

I can't see it on this one but electronic locks I've seen in New Zealand have two external battery contacts to which you can hold a 9v battery in case of power loss. Thank God for 24/7 supermarkets eh?

Neutral

nick ring @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

slightly OT, but I'm actually looking for a decent PINned entry lock that isn't too expensive. We'd discussed fingerprint, but it's really not necessary. Anyone have some suggestions? Thanks.

Neutral

Clark @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Note abt viability of fingerprint sensors:

1) Capactive sensors (sense by means of electricy) - Easy to hack.. just blow on it! (although with intermittent success)

2) Optical sensors - needs the right tools and your fingerprint (say, on a glass) to hack, but viable for a criminal who is planning a string of break-ins to break even on the equipment

3) Once your fingerprint is compromised, then what? Passwords you can change, but you can't change your finger... what if fingers get injured?

From http://www.giac.org/practical/Brad_Beals_GSEC.doc

Neutral

Anil Kandangath @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Sweet thing, until of course, you realize that fingerprint based security systems are too easily broken to be a reliable thing for the front door.

http://www.ecogito.net/anil/2005/01/fingerprint-security-how-far-would-you.html

Neutral

Graham Moore @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM

Every form of identification or authentication has drawbacks and weaknesses. Biometrics (who you are) can be hacked by a determined adversary, as several of the posters have noted. Access control tokens (what you have), whether high-security restricted keys, mag stripe, proximity, iClass, Weigand or other cards can be replicated with a ferocious enough application of technology. Entry codes (what you know) can be observed, keystroke logged, spoofed or otherwise stolen to gain access.
The best application in high-security situations lies in application of two or more of the three technologies in concert. Even this will not guarantee total security, but it raises the threshold immensely.

Neutral