Get Ready for Biometric Security in the Workplace, Finds New Survey

Stoke Poges, Bucks, UK - 27 September, 2004—The majority of companies are considering 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 55 percent of firms say they are currently considering the introduction of iris scanning and fingerprint recognition systems. This comes amid growing adoption of biometric technology by border control and public sector organisations.

The survey reveals that more than two-thirds of companies (68 percent) believe that the use of biometrics in office buildings is a justified security measure, while just 39 percent anticipate staff or customer resistance to the technology. Likewise, relatively few respondents (37 percent) 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."

However, the survey also finds that fewer than one in five biometric technology deployments are expected to be ready for use within the next 12 months. Concerns over possible technical malfunctions and data security breeches suggest that most deployments will be delayed while new IT systems are developed to protect against such risks. Around half of those polled (51 percent) cited the risk of crimes such as electronic ID theft as a cause of concern for organisations using and storing biometric information. A similar number, 47 percent, felt that technical malfunctions, such as staff being accidentally locked out of buildings, could be a potential problem area.

"One of the biggest hurdles to faster adoption of biometrics is ensuring that biometric data is stored securely and efficiently, whilst also ensuring that the system can carry on functioning properly in the event of any part of the IT network going down. This requires companies to put in place effective business continuity processes and to invest in technologies like remote replication and data backup, automated data management and data encryption", explains Tony Reid.

Hitachi Data Systems' study also found that the use of biometrics is widely supported for a wide range of government and financial applications. In particular, 80 percent or respondents agreed that it was justified for border control and government building security, respectively, whilst 89 percent said it was warranted within the security services. Almost as many backed the use of biometrics for credit card validation (74 percent) and ID cards, including driving licences and proof-of-age cards (70 percent). The least supported application of the technology was in administering welfare payments, with 53 percent in favour and 40 percent against.

This survey was conducted as part of the latest 'Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index', a six-monthly survey of corporate technology trends across the EMEA (Europe, Middle-East and Africa) region. A total of 840 anonymous, independently-conducted interviews were completed with corporate IT directors in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE and the UK. The Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index is available for download at: http://www.hds.com/press_room/hds_storage_index.html

Hitachi Data Systems leverages global R&D resources to develop storage solutions built on industry-leading technology with the performance, availability and scalability to maximise customers' ROI and minimise their risk. By focusing on the customer's perspective as we apply the best hardware, software, and services from Hitachi and our partners, we uniquely satisfy our customers' business needs.

With 2,800 employees, Hitachi Data Systems conducts business through direct and indirect channels in the public, government and private sectors in over 170 countries and regions. Its customers include more than 50 percent of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.hds.com.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 326,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2003 (ended March 31, 2004) consolidated sales totalled 8,632.4 billion yen ($81.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors, including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.hitachi.com.

Shirley Virando, Hitachi Data Systems
+44 (0) 1753 618682, shirley.virando@hds.com

© 2004, Hitachi Data Systems Corporation. Hitachi Data Systems is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a trademark and service mark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trade names, trademarks, and service marks used herein are the rightful property of their respective owners.

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