UK companies are anticipating the introduction of biometric technology to increase workplace security, according to a new independent survey commissioned as part of the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index. The survey finds that 65 per cent of firms expect to see iris scanning and fingerprint recognition systems in the office, with 44 per cent expecting to see them introduced within two years. . . .
UK companies are anticipating the introduction of biometric technology to increase workplace security, according to a new independent survey commissioned as part of the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index. The survey finds that 65 per cent of firms expect to see iris scanning and fingerprint recognition systems in the office, with 44 per cent expecting to see them introduced within two years.

The survey comes amid growing adoption of biometric technology by border control and public sector organisations and reveals that over half of companies (54 per cent) believe that the use of biometrics in office buildings is a justified security measure, although the same number anticipate some staff or customer resistance to the technology. Few respondents (28 per cent) thought that `Big Brother' style abuse of biometric information was likely - either by companies or government agencies.

"It seems that attitudes towards biometrics are rapidly improving as the technology becomes more common and people recognise the growing security benefits," says Tony Reid, Director of Storage Solutions, Hitachi Data Systems EMEA. "Of course, companies will still need to comply with various privacy and data protection regulations that govern how long personal information can be stored and what it can be used for - which presents a further IT challenge for many."

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