LaCie introduces biometric access drive

Plus I think biometrics do have an error rate - possibly around 1% (as the UK government found when thinking about biometric identity cards). I'm not sure what exact ramifications that would have for something like this, but it's worth remembering that biometrics can be flawed, like everything else. I understand that the best security relies on something you have, and something you know. So a password/fingerprint combo would be better, I think.

I like passwords. If they really wanted my data, they'd need me alive. With biometrics, a dead finger works just fine.

Biometrics is a load of hooey. Not saying the technology does not work. It sure works well! But that alone is not enough to make something secure. Just look at all of the recent issues with credit card companies loosing client data? Was it a tech shortfall that allowed the data to 'escape'? Or was it just good old bone-headed human stupidity. Social engineering (aka: con artistry) can compromise security more than any supposed 'weak link' in technology. And all new gadgets like these do is just avoid the issue an give peopel a false sense of security. Want to make sure your employees don't steal data? Pay them well and respect them! No security measure is better than simple human respect.

Fingerprint scanners are cool, but are they that much safer than a regularly updated, well chosen password? I read a story somewhere about someone over in.. Taiwan, maybe?.. where a guy had a fingerprint scanner to start his car. So the thieves took his car AND his finger. It was enough to scare me off of fingerprint biometrics!