Abstract: A key-lock operated security system utilizing a fingerprint of an authorized user to control access to the security system, such as the ignition system of an automobile. An intelligent key has a fingerprint scanning chip embedded in the surface thereof, and further has a microcontroller, a memory and electrical contacts to provide an intelligent key capable of scanning and distinguishing between different fingerprints. The scanning chip is interfaced to the microcontroller which controls the operation thereof and reads data from the scanning chip, to scan and correlate the minutia patterns of an individual fingerprint against one or more patterns of fingerprints of authorized users of the security system stored within the memory.