Albuca
Joined 14 years ago
Joined 14 years ago
There is also a huge difference between the $15 fingerprint reader you buy off of Amazon, and the "professional" scanner found in enterprise/secure devices (which in my experience, consist of a high resolution camera combined with software that detects (and looks for) movement of the finger on the scanner, "flattening" of the finger as its placed on the glass, among other things).
Further, there is the inherent need for someone (user or malicious person) to be on-site to present the biometric, as opposed 'remote' access using a username/password combination.
Like anything however, you also need to protect the core infrastructure, as well as the end-user interface. All authentication methods are useless if someone has direct access to the authentication server.
Just my $0.02
For example, elevators in areas prone to earthquakes have sensors installed that can detect the movement of the building [1]. If it sways too far it will automatically move the elevator (up or down) to get the car as far as possible from the heavy heavy counterweight - as there is the possibility that it could break free and smush the car.
[1]Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzrJjdZDRQ
That been said, one of the most important things I took from the course was the need to have the person with the experimental thoughts to agree to stay safe. That is, to agree not to harm themselves for a pre-allotted timeframe. You’re not convincing them not to do it, but instead delaying their feeling of having to do it now. This time gives you both the ability to seek resources to help each other through the crisis.
As said above, be supportive of the person. Hear them out. Pushing them away or making light of the situation is not something that that will benefit anyone. You may not agree with them, but you must understand in order to help them through this period in their lives.
Be honest and tell them you don't know how to help - but agree to seek out help with them. Perhaps they just need someone to show that they are cared for...
tl;dr get the individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts to agree not to harm themselves for six hours (a completely arbitrary number) so that you both can seek resources for help. DO NOT try intervention unless you are trained to do so - you could make things much much worse...
I can definetly understand finding people is easier than paying them. I guess I didn't really factor the economy and indie movie scene into my response.
Experience never hurts - so long as you learn from it (and it is benifical to you (eg. connections and favors; as you pointed out)
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10110649