Biometric Security

If security is on your mind every time you hit the airport, you'll probably consider this developing news and these cool gadgets a welcome relief.

Hot Topic: Biometric Security in Airports

Raise your hand if you've ever felt jealous watching a futuristic movie where actors swoop right through security in the blink of an eye. In silver screen terms, biometrics is when the star's eyeball or finger is scanned to enter highly-secured areas. In the simplest technical terms, it's an authentication technique that relies on scans of unique physical characteristics that can easily be checked. Biometric identification can be achieved by scanning a person's fingerprint, hand shape, iris, retina, signature, and voice (to name a few).

According to what we've learned on the Transportation Security Authority's website, you could be next in line for an eye scan if you're willing to sacrifice some privacy. During the last year, the TSA has run a biometric security test program called Registered Traveler at 5 airports: D.C., Boston, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Houston. During the pilot, some 10,000 volunteer travelers registered, had a background check, and got scanned for biometric data. For a 90-day period at each airport, the volunteers were scanned biometrically and expedited through security because secondary scans were largely eliminated. The pilot program was quite successful. TSA decided to extend the program to Orlando airport through this month and there's already talk of methods to share Registered Traveler profiles between airports, so participant convenience extends beyond their home base.

Program registration is closed for the moment but when it opens again, this road warrior will be the first in line!

Gadget Guide: Mainstream Biometric Products For The Mainstream

Technology manufacturers are jumping on the biometric bandwagon in a big way. Fujitsu, HP, IBM, and Toshiba are all building fingerprint readers into high-end laptops and PDAs. Even if you're not in the market for a new system, there are plenty of standalone fingerprint readers on the market for under $100. Microsoft makes a mouse and keyboard combo for your desk at home. There are tiny, standalone USB fingerprint readers, as well as a USB flash drive that can be biometrically secured. Most of these devices allow you to log onto your computer, protect files, and access secured Web sites without typing. Several even allow you to share the device with trusted associates because the devices can read numerous fingerprints.

Tech Saver: Point And Click Security In Office

Perhaps your laptop is full of highly confidential information, in which case you'll need additional security for peace of mind. But if you simply want to protect the integrity of your documents, Office makes it easy to password protect files from opening or editing. In Word and PowerPoint, select Tools, Options, then click the Security tab on the options window. You can do the same in Excel, but there are additional options (such as protecting just a range of cells) under the Protect submenu. Don't forget, all passwords should be at least 8 characters, using both letters and numbers!

Like what you see? Check back for the scoop on how the robotics revolution will help us live more convenient, clean, and healthy lives.