REVIEW: Securam V8 Finger Vein Smart Lock

Securam has delivered a fortress of a lock. First of its kind in South East Asia, its latest finger vein technology allows for users of all age groups to unlock when all other locks fail. A formidable lock for anyone attempting to bypass it.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Southern California, Securam is the world’s largest high security safe lock manufacturer, known for their high-security access control solutions, door locks and safe locks. Their list of global clients include Browning, Liberty, AT&T, Starbucks, McDonald’s and more than 200 banks worldwide.

We were extremely excited to bring Securam’s lock offering to the local market to meet a niche demand for high-end finger vein technology smart lock, making it the first of its kind in South East Asia.

DESIGN

First impression of the lock, substantial and rock-solid. The lock weighs close to 10kg, which is double or even triple the weight of most locks in the market. The lock is constructed using zinc alloy – known for its durability, hardness, strength. A design that is unique to this lock is the vertical arrangement of its numeric and symbols on the right side of the lock.

The front panel spots an anti-drill plate that one can slide up to reveal its finger vein sensor. For users who would like to have a different colour plate for different seasons of the year, Securam offers 9 different coloured-plates (green, yellow, orange, blue, silver, grey, pink, green, red) that can be purchased separately.

The back panel has a same coloured plate as the front panel, making the front and back panel visually similar. The handle is relatively large and comfortable to hold. The additional internal lock knob is located at the bottom of the back panel. Unlike most digital locks, the battery compartment of the Securam V8 Finger Vein Smart Lock is built inside the front panel, located beneath the front panel, beside the mechanical key hole.

FEATURES

The Securam V8’s outstanding feature is its finger vein technology. Instead of relying on fingerprint, the finger vein recognition technology relies on 850nm infrared light to capture venous blood vessel images. This allows the oldest or the youngest in the family to unlock the V8. This lock works great with anyone who has ‘no’ fingerprint; dirty, worn or dry epidermis; or severe eczema conditions. Finger vein technology makes biometric theft highly improbable.

The finger vein sensor has successfully registered a user in her 70s, and impressively unlocked the door as advertised. A recommended lock for users that have issues getting their fingerprints read at immigrations or banks.

A 6-digit PIN code can unlock the lock by keying in the digit on the numeric panel vertical strip on the right that lits up when touched. Unfortunately, this lock does not have RFID card recognition. But shouldn’t affect its the user experience considering its finger vein sensor works consistently.

The registration of the finger vein and code can be done on the lock itself with voice-guided step-by-step instructions. The Securam V8 model available in Malaysia has got bluetooth connectivity that enables the user to utilise Securam’s financial-grade encrypted app. The app is not very comprehensive like other models but fulfils the basics.

App features:

  • Unlock the door via app (requires Securam Smart Hub to unlock door remotely)
  • Log record – capturing time and method of unlocking
  • Offline creation of one-time code
  • Battery health indication

Security

Securam V8 Finger Vein lock embodies features take shows it takes security very seriously. The zinc alloy body make it very hard to pry, drill and can endure violent unlocking. The slide cover panel is manufactured with high-strength aluminum alloy which is specially processed using anodic oxidation.

The solid stainless steel mortise lock has got a latch, three major bolts and internal bolt. The key cylinder placed beneath the bottom of the front panel makes it difficult to drill and tamper. This lock is an exact replacement of existing locks in Malaysia, without leaving any gaps or holes in the door. The lock instantly auto locks the moment you let go of the handle, giving you the peace of mind not having to second guess if you have locked the door.

Internally, the Securam V8 is equipped with banking-grade dual motor design to ensure user reliability. If one motor system fails, the other system backs up to ensure continuous functionality.

The lock is also built with electromagnetic pulse shield tested according to US.Military Standard MIL-STD-461G standards, making it immune to the Tesla black box electromagnetic interference that has successfully unlocked cheaper locks that have compromising qualities.

Extra

The lock runs on 6 units of AA batteries that can be replaced on the outside if the battery is flat, with a battery life of approximately a year. There is no need to jump-start using 9V or USB cable. Two units of high security restricted keys are provided with the lock. The inner handle has anti-panic function.

Conclusion

The Securam V8 Finger Vein Smart Lock is high-end digital lock for anyone has had their fingerprints rejected by other digital lock models. It is time to switch the biometric recognition from fingerprint to finger vein. Ideal of large households that have a wide age range of family members who would like the convenience of unlocking the door with their finger consistently and conveniently.

A lock that was built around security in mind. This lock does not compromise on build, quality and provides all features that will make any user whose emphasis is on security, glee. We are giving this lock a nod of approval and highly recommend it for its high security points and unique finger vein recognition technology; even with its non-extensive app features.

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