Authentication system for enabling access or use includes a housing, a database of fingerprint and heartbeat data, a fingerprint sensor having a surface on an exterior of the housing onto which a person places their finger, and a heartbeat monitor that obtains data about presence of any heartbeat from a person whose fingers are placed onto the surface of the fingerprint sensor. A processor coupled to the fingerprint sensor, heartbeat monitor and database operatively compares the obtained fingerprint and heartbeat shape derived from heartbeat data to corresponding fingerprint and heartbeat shape data to determine whether the fingerprint and heartbeat shape data are indicative of a person authorized for access or use. Only if both the fingerprint and heartbeat shape data are indicative of the same person authorized for access or use, the processor authorizes access or use, e.g., to a cellphone, of a payment card, and to an access-controlled structure.