Access to house and garage: key vs code keypad vs fingerprint

We had a fingerprint scanner at the front door and a code keypad at the garage for over 10 years. To be honest, the code keypad failed to work (despite correct input) far more often than the fingerprint scanner; the service technician never figured out the cause. The fingerprint scanner had no problem in the rain, but it was also under a canopy where it didn’t get wet. For the children, however, it only worked reliably from a certain age (estimated 7-8 years). It only didn’t work when the children had been in the pool for a very long time and their fingertips were wrinkled. The technology has definitely improved a lot since then. Neighbors had house access with a code that everyone knew. Either because the children’s friends saw the input or because one of the children had “confided” the code only to their best friend... The code access was eventually deactivated. For me, the clear advantage of the fingerprint scanner is this: you don’t forget your finger, don’t lose it, and don’t pass it on. We were satisfied, don’t want to miss the convenience, and will use fingerprint again.

I am not a fan of fingerprint readers. They are convenient, but often do not work. After bouldering, I can forget about the fingerprint for ~12 hours because the fingertips are worn down and are not recognized. For me, it is also completely unclear and impossible to assess which false positive results (=foreign fingerprints opening the door) are possible. Some closed software with some unknown trained models running in the background... I only trust my profession to a limited extent that it actually provides security. On top of that is the problem that you leave your fingerprints everywhere and a fingerprint can be forged with moderate effort. Therefore, I consider the security of a FP to be only suggested. With a key, at least you know the risks and do not leave it around en masse. An attempted break-in by lockpicking also always leaves traces.

I am not a fan of fingerprint readers. It is convenient, but often does not work. After bouldering, I can forget about the fingerprint for ~12 hours, as the fingertips are worn down and are not recognized. For me, it is also completely unclear and impossible to assess which false positive results (=foreign fingerprints opening the door) are possible. Some closed software with some unknown trained models in the background... I only trust my profession to a limited extent that it actually provides security. In addition, there is the problem that you leave your fingerprints everywhere and a fingerprint can be forged with moderate effort. Therefore, I consider the security of a FP to be only suggested. With a key, at least you know the risks and do not leave it around in multiples. An attempted break-in by lockpicking also always leaves traces.

Regarding FP, I generally agree with you. False positives will always have to be accepted within the framework of statistics. Probably the risk is manageable (very low) since it is installed en masse. Whom can you even trust? (I professionally trust only a few really, but consistently implemented life then generally becomes very uncomfortable). To my knowledge, good lockpicking attempts (successful or not) usually become invisible with the first regular locking operation. RFID + motor lock is “approved from the insurance perspective,” so it should be secure enough – or?

False positives will always have to be accepted within the framework of statistics. Presumably, the risk is manageable (very low) since it is used en masse.

That's where it starts. How many false positives do we have? How much does the risk increase between one finger from one person and fingers from multiple people with several fingers (one can also be under a plaster...)? That is absolutely not assessable as people tend to keep it a secret what actually happens. The only thing that's clear is that since fingerprints are not always the same (wet, dirty, etc., but also the finger is held differently) a system has to allow quite a lot.
In addition, there is probably already a valid fingerprint on the door handle; after all, you have to touch the door somehow.

To my knowledge, lockpicking attempts (successful or not) usually become invisible with the first regular locking operation.

As far as I know, the scratches on the pins are different. Also, the tensioner at least leaves traces on my practice lock that do not come from keys and do not go away again. Of course, you only see these if you examine the lock accordingly, which is probably the crucial point.

RFID + motor lock is "insurance-wise" approved, so it should be secure enough – or?

By RFID, you mean the badges to hold up? That should be on the rather secure end of the scale if implemented properly. The further the signal travels (keyword keyless entry in cars), the larger the attack surface.
At some point, you have to draw the line, and how secure is a key in comparison?

Currently, I only use RFID (it's the fastest and most uncomplicated) You forgot RFID in your survey?

Kind of forgot. I also read about it but rather associated it with the business sector and didn't know it was used privately as well. What I still don't understand: where do you see the advantages of the system? I would have thought it combines the disadvantages of keys (you have to carry something that you can also forget) with the disadvantages of fingerprint/code (you need a motor lock/significantly more expensive). So where are the advantages compared to a normal key?

Would never give up the fingerprint scanner again...

So far everything works wonderfully for us – however, we also have a canopy, so moisture is less of a problem.

If it doesn't work sometimes, just quickly "clean" it with the shirt, hold your finger up, and it works again. This has happened only twice in over 100 openings.

If there are extreme problems and you absolutely can't get into the house because the FP doesn't work, then I just take the key hidden somewhere around the house and unlock the door :D

It is simply an incredibly convenient comfort in my opinion and I wouldn't want to miss it anymore.

Of course, there are also some "cheap systems" or worse systems, so some people might not be satisfied.

We have an Inotherm door and thus the fingerprint scanner from this manufacturer – I am impressed.

There are also various reports/statistics etc. that clearly show the security of fingerprint systems and also endorse them.

In my opinion, this is clearly the future! Meanwhile, the systems are also totally mature.