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Greetings,
We use a electronic keycard to access the instrumentation, followed by a
username/password combination required to access the software environment.
Biometric methods such as fingerprint readers are not foolproof. I seem
to remember reading somewhere that they can be fooled with a gelatin
finger replica. A closed circuit tape recording system or a webcam that
snaps a picture of each user when they log in would seem to be a
workable deterrent if keys aren't enough.
-Karl

simon watkins wrote:

> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
> Folks
>
> I have been thinking about different ways of ensuring security in our
> shared instrument space, particularly for after hours use, keys don’t
> work as they seem to proliferate slowly and inexorably and the only
> solution is to rekey every few years. Also, there is no way of
> tracking usage. A second option it individual user accounts, however
> people seem quite happy to lend user names and passwords around
> (particularly within labs), and while this ensures computer and hence
> device control it doesn’t lock the door. The same thing is true for id
> cards, people can and do share them around at will. So I have been
> thinking about using biometric methods such as thumbprint readers.
> Does anyone have experience with these things? Are they reliable, do
> they work consistently, are there other options?….. all the usual
> concerns and questions.
>
> Let me know what your thoughts are.
>
> Simon
>
> Simon C. Watkins
>
> Professor, Cell Biology and Physiology
>
> Director CBI
>
> BSTS 225
>
> University of Pittsburgh
>
> Pittsburgh PA 15261
>
> tel: 412-648-3051
>
> URL http://www.cbi.pitt.edu
>