Medical Center using high-tech security

In an era where identity theft, protected patient information and computer based technologies are becoming common-place, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center has taken many steps to protect these assets.

"The days of only using keys and locks as the primary security measure are quickly coming to a close. Both civilian and military health organizations are recognizing they must do better in protecting these assets", says Robert O'Brien, chief of security operations at DDEAMC.

He goes on to say that, "Smart card technologies have become very prevalent in today's society. You see these technologies in medicine, transportation and the mercantile industries. Smart cards have helped a great deal but can be defeated by a determined adversary. Almost everywhere you go, you now see the staff of that particular business wearing identification".

At DDEAMC's Security Department they use some of the most sophisticated security technologies on the market. Recently the department purchased and now operates IRIS scan technology to control access into some of the hospital's security sensitive areas.

The iris scanner is a no contact entry/exit technology that uses biometric technology for iris recognition. This technology dramatically increases the level of security into certain protected spaces with a 1 in 1.2 million false acceptance rate. The false acceptance rate is so low that the probabilities of "false identify" error is virtually zero. Many other security access technologies continue to have error rates as high as five to 10 percent.

The iris is the colored part of the eye. It is a thin diaphragm composed mostly of connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers. The iris lies between the cornea and the crystalline lens.

The iris is made up of many patterns that stabilize between six months and two years of age and then remain unchanged for life. The colors of your eyes can change but the IRIS doesn't. Because of the complexities of one's eye patterns, imitation is nearly impossible.

"Our system is very fast and accurate" said O'Brien. This type of cutting edge technology helps the medical center remain patient focused and good stewards of the patients trust. DDEAMC places a lot of emphasis on providing patients and visitors with a safe and secure environment of care and the use of this technology demonstrates our commitment".

Along with the new IRIS scan technology, DDEAMC uses both bioscrypt fingerprint technology, where a reader uses the human fingerprint for identity purposes and smart card technology. All three technologies provide the medical center with a superior level of security.