Below you'll find technical information describing how biometric data works, is used, and is stored in our system. We use a biometric time clock system that allows for the automatic identification of students, staff, and employees for the purpose of measuring attendance.
Type of Biometric Data Used
Biometric data is a type of information that helps uniquely identify an individual. It can include data such as fingerprints, iris scans, voiceprints, and facial recognition.
Prestige uses fingerprint data to identify individuals for the purpose of tracking attendance.
Use of Biometric Information and How It Works
A fingerprint reader is a security device that uses a scanned image of a fingerprint to authenticate users in the Prestige system.
With fingerprint security, software users can log into the application to record clock-in and clock-out times by scanning their fingerprint instead of by typing a username and password on the keyboard.
When a fingerprint is scanned, the system creates a digitized template from the scanned fingerprint that is stored in our database. This template is created with each scan and is compared against the information in the database of registered users to record their clock-in and clock-out activity.
In other words, when a person scans their finger, the data template in the database is compared with the one just produced to determine the person's clock-in and clock-out activity.
Storage of Biometric Data
The digitized data template is stored as encrypted data in a secure, encrypted database table in the Prestige system and cannot be used to recreate the complete original image.
All data used in the Prestige system follows the following data security protocols:
- All databases and user access are password protected and managed for security.
- Information on computer screens is hidden from persons who are not authorized to see it.
- There is a back-up procedure for computer-held data, including offsite back-up.
- Staff are made aware of the school’s security measures and comply with them.
- There is adequate overall security of the premises when they are unoccupied.
Third-Party Access
Prestige does not share personal information, including fingerprint information, with any non-vendor third-party organization.
All current school vendors have privacy and data protection policies included in their service agreements.
Individual Access to Personal Data
After initially collecting fingerprint information, there is no user interface to view or access personal biometric data.
Users are able to request access to their personal data, but fingerprints - once collected - are not accessible or viewable.
Retention of Biometric Data
Fingerprint data will remain active until the student graduates or withdraws from the school.
Once the student status is converted to Graduated or Withdrawn/Completed in the Prestige system, the student fingerprint data is purged from the system.
As soon as a student permanently leaves the school, their biometric data is immediately deleted.