Biometrics
Hummersknott use a contactless method of biometrics to pay for school meals. This biometric system is incredibly simple and effective and enables your child to simply use their finger on a scanner to be able to pay for school meals.
By using biometric, we aim to make lunch even more enjoyable by reducing queuing times for a better experience.
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the company (CRB Cunninghams) which should hopefully answer any concerns or issues you may have with the security and management of your child’s data within the system.
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Technology Used
The school utilise a technology named “iDStore” to securely store your childs biometric data. Below are some frequently asked questions about iDStore and how it operates.
What is iDStore?
iDStore is a central database located within a school, which stores the information that identifies pupils uniquely to each of the applications used at the school.
Why use iDStore instead of other existing identification methods?
The centralised system of iDStore speeds up the registration process each student need only register once, no matter how many applications requiring identification are in place at the school.
With a biometric system, students cannot borrow or steal credentials from each other, reducing the opportunities for bullying. Queues are reduced because the rate of identification of students is quickened. Students no longer need to carry cards to purchase a meal.
Does iDStore record images of individual fingerprints?
iDStore does not store images of fingerprints on its system, and never will.
Only mathematical representations of certain points of a finger image are recorded, typically between ten and sixty depending on the characteristics of the finger. This mathematical data is encrypted and is called a template.
The data is extremely secure in its encrypted form, and even if it were not encrypted, it would be impossible to recreate the original fingerprint image from the stored data.
Is it possible to recreate a fingerprint from the data stored by iDStore?
No, the iDStore system only stores a short string of encrypted numbers, too little data for the original print to be reconstructed.
How secure is the stored data? What would happen if somebody stole it?
The iDStore database is protected by a licence key. This means that the database and any backup of its contents can only be accessed on licenced hardware.
The hardware is stored in the schools own secure facility, so that the encrypted data is only available to the registered licensee. Even if a school’s security were to be compromised and a backup of the database stolen, the encrypted data would still be unreadable, even by another school.
If I or my child object to biometrics, what will happen?
The school will issue any child who wishes to opt out of the biometric system with an alternative method of identification.
If I or my child wants to withdraw consent?
Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Please contact the school to facilitate this.
