The Smartphone Keeps Getting Smarter

It Keeps Adding On

Yea, we all know there is a lot we can do with our Smartphone, from running our small business enterprise to paying our monthly bills to even doing our holiday shopping.  But who ever dreamed of this application on your Smartphone: Biometrics??? Well, it is now possible. 

The Biometrics Vendor who has made this possible is known as “HID Global”, and here are the details:  “HID Global, trusted leader in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, today announced an industry first with plans to support the company’s iCLASS digital keys and mobile secure identity on NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones. The new BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 and BlackBerry Curve 9350/9360 smartphones activated with iCLASS digital credentials will be compatible with the large installed base of iCLASS readers that are used for applications ranging from physical access systems in buildings, to student IDs, to applications that track time and attendance . . . This industry first is an important milestone in the deployment of mobile access and identity solutions using NFC technology on smartphones . . . Instead of using keys or smartcards, BlackBerry smartphone users will be able to use iCLASS digital credentials that can be presented for authentication by simply holding their NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphone in front of a reader, just like they do today with a physical iCLASS smartcard.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/9262/). 

My Take

What happened to the days when a telephone was just used for calling???  Heck, I still remember my childhood days when all my family was just the rotary phone.  Getting push button phone was a big step, and then getting a digital was even huger.  Let’s face it.  The Smartphone pretty much dictates our every day lives, whether it is personal or business/office related.  It is just an extension of us, and my fear is that it will become our own leash.  I do have to admit, I am dazzled by new technology, especially in the way of Netbooks and Smartphones.  But I do keep myself grounded and ask myself:  “Is it a want or a need”???  It just amazes me how much is being packed on those Smartphones. 

And now, we are seeing Biometrics being implemented onto it.  Biometrics is being used to protect the Smartphone, and now it is being used for application in this area.  Based from the above quote, the primary two applications are for physical access entry, and time and attendance.  From what best I can understand of it, is really meant to replace the use of the Smartcard.  For example, in heavy duty physical access entry applications, such as in a warehouse setting, employees often have to swipe a card into the hand geometry scanner for a layered Security approach. 

This is often a Smartcard, with the PIN Number of the employee in it.  But now, rather than having to carry this card, all the employee has to do now is merely flash their Smartphone (in particular, the Blackberry).  I really would like to see an application of this in real life.  But from what I have read, one of my biggest concerns is that what if you lose your Smartphone???  The fear was first of Identity Theft, but now with the Biometric component added on, somebody could even enter your house, place of business, what have you.  And if you think about it, if you are one of those people who have everything packed onto your Smartphone, and if you lose it, you will be completely paralyzed.  Heck, it may even feel like your life is over.  For me, although the temptation to get a Smartphone is strong, all I ever need a cell phone for is just calling, and texting.  Nothing more. 

So, that is why I have the most basic Verizon phone offered.  And plus, from a power management perspective, it is great.  I can go for days without having to charge back up again.  Now with these Smartphones, because they house so many applications, power management becomes an issue.  Heck, even a battery life of 6 hours is great news.  So, when you look at your Smartphone, think of it as an extension of part of your life, not your entire life.  Finally, another concern I have is that, in the above example, the worker has to flash their Smartphone.  If a person is intelligent enough, all it takes is a basic network sniffer to intercept and collect all of the private and confidential information on that Smartphone.  Hmm, something else to worry about . . .

Comments

[North Face Shop]

Thanks, I'm going to have nightmares tonight.