Ask anyone who has ever worked in the IT security sector about finger print scanners as a viable means of security and you will quickly learn they are a running joke. The sad fact of the matter is that fingerprint readers are not only easy to circumvent but also a royal nuisance to use due to their less than stellar abilities to accurately read a persons finger. This is why the all new Hoyos Eyelock USB iris scanner is so darn interesting!

Unlike fingerprints which are easy to spoof and difficult to get consistent results from, the Eyelock relies on iris scanning technology. While it is still possible to spoof iris scanners (regardless of what the manufacture of this device state) they are multiple factors harder to successfully circumvent. They are also actually easier to use as they rarely mess up and give false negatives. And thanks to its USB interface and small form factor this itty bitty reader can be taken and used anywhere! This increased security and ease of use, is of course is played off by the fact that you have to be willing to have your eyeball read (which some people find disconcerting, though much less so than retina scanners!). These type of devices do take a bit of getting used to, but once you do get used to them, it really does become second nature. Better still, once you have set up the software you never need remember a password again as you eyeball is the password.

Hoyos claims this is the first consumer orientated iris scanner and we believe them; as we have never heard of a portable USB iris scanner, that was this small. Over the next few months Hoyos will announce exactly when you will be able to pick up this $99 device. We honestly can't wait as this really is one exciting piece of technology!