First Biometric Facial Recognition Security System Using RFID Technology Eyes Canadian Market

[08/22/08] @ MoreRFID.com

RFID ProSolutions, Canadian leaders in RFID technology consulting and engineering, and American RFID Solutions, an industry-recognized leading manufacturer and solution provider, have announced a strategic reseller agreement for the distribution of TES, Trusted eSentry Security, a new, innovative biometric facial recognition system in Canada.

TES is a biometric/RFID security system that allows for the automatic identification of individuals using a combination of facial recognition and HF or UHF RFID technology (access cards).

"The ID cards are already used to control access to restricted areas but by adding a second reading of distinctive authenticity through biometric recognition; we've taken security to new heights," said Harold Clampitt, CEO & Founder of American RFID Solutions. "And this is the level of protection confidential information, valuable goods and sensitive environments require."

"The beauty of the system is that there is no central data base that can cause accusations of copying or stealing information," stated Andre Lacaille, President of RFID ProSolutions. "Systems that require prints are known for leaving evidence behind because of the physical contact that is required and therefore the information can be copied."

The system was recognized earlier this year as a Best in Show finalist for the RFID Journal Awards in Las Vegas and has a read rate of 99.999999% which makes this system one of the most secure in the world. The system works independently or through a network to interface with existing systems to form an increased secured perimeter.

"We are extremely excited about introducing this system to Canadian organizations and security integrators; this is an important addition to our portfolio of solutions" says Jebb Nucci, Vice President of Operations for RFID ProSolutions.

About RFID ProSolutions

RFID ProSolutions, a division of ProAction Management Group, offers their services in needs analysis, process design, solution selection and development, implementation and change management support. Specialized in RFID technology, RFID ProSolutions is a project management and solution-driven firm that focuses entirely on bringing the best possible products and the most innovative solutions to meet their customer's business needs.

About American RFID Solutions

American RFID Solutions is the developer of the Trusted eSentry Security System, TrackStar and eDOTS, and offers turnkey solutions, consulting and products in the areas of active, passive, RTLS, near field and far field RFID technologies. http://americanRFIDsolutions.com

Study: Biometrics Ushering New Age Of Security In Asia Pacific Region

From Security Products

From May 1, 2008

National ID and e-Passport programs are contributing to the growth and development of the biometrics market in the Asia Pacific region.

With these programs underway, market participants have realized the need for proper standardization in order for all these projects to be successful. In the coming years, biometrics products will be standardized and interoperable with other security systems, providing a much higher level of security.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan Biometrics Markets in Asia Pacific, finds that the market earned revenues of $126.3 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach $1643.1 million in 2012.

National ID projects and e-Passport programs are providing the biggest potential for biometrics in APAC today. With the cost of biometric readers declining, biometric border control security is also being implemented in many countries across Asia. Furthermore, with the e-Passport program implementation coming to an end by 2008, new issuance of passports by the countries under the U.S. VISA Waiver program will significantly add to the growth in unit shipment.

“The national ID of Malaysia is already equipped with a thumbprint template and the Indian national ID will also be equipped with a fingerprint template,” said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Navin Rajendra. “While India has already begun assembling a database of its citizens, countries such as Japan, China and Indonesia are expected to take to biometrics shortly.”

However, the high cost of implementing the biometric system has been a restraint globally and the same is likely to be the case in the APAC region. End users looking at a security system are often weary of the high cost involved and tend to wait until there is a reduction in prices.

“This apart, the prolonged cycle time for the implementation of a biometric project is a significant restraint, especially when organizations are looking at a quick and seamless implementation,” Rajendra said. “Depending on the size of the project, the cycle time can vary anywhere from 6 to 18 months.”

The APAC market is seeing convergence of technologies and applications. It is absolutely essential for market participants to bring about interoperability and standardization in this era of convergence. Through mutual and proper cooperation between system integrators, biometric systems can be seamlessly integrated with other security systems with reduced downtime.

The New Trend in Identity Verification

From Privaris...

Biometrics has yet to achieve widespread adoption, or offer the panacea for CSO’s physical and logical access challenges that was predicted. Part of the reason is cost, though more often it’s the installation and usability hassles that stand in the way.

A new trend in identity verification, called “personal biometrics," is dramatically changing the landscape of the biometrics industry – offering any size organization the peace of mind of heightened security – without the cost and complexity.

Top 5 Misconceptions about Biometric Security

1. Biometric security is disruptive, complex and costly to implement. Implementing biometric security no longer requires the installation of specialized biometric readers at every access point. The advanced technology of personal biometric solutions can be deployed overnight because they work with existing systems, including standard door readers for access cards and the Microsoft Operating Systems found on most PC’s, eliminating the need to rip and replace hardware or install software.

2. Biometric security is inconvenient.

Biometrics doesn’t have to involve frustrating user experiences at access points and inconsistent, slow results. The new trend of personal biometrics eliminates the need for shared biometric readers and replaces users’ access cards and passwords with a single token for fast, convenient access everywhere identity verification is required.

3. Biometric security is inherently invasive to personal privacy.

Biometric implementations don’t have to entail employers collecting users’ sensitive biometric data and assuming the liability for protecting it from hackers. With personal biometrics, central repositories of biometric data are no longer necessary.

4. Biometrics is inefficient.

Long lines during periods of high traffic, delays due to a single individual having trouble matching – these historic characteristics of biometric systems have been overcome. New advances in personal, wireless biometric fobs are enabling “on-the-go” mobile biometrics that eliminates traffic back-ups and converges an organization’s physical and IT security functions with a single and simple protocol.

5. Biometrics is considered overkill for the task at hand.

Biometrics can simplify users’ lives while significantly enhancing security. The new generation of personal biometric technology offers tangible benefits to both end users and organizations, including reducing costs, converging physical and IT security and eliminating the management of access cards and passwords –while providing proof-positive identity verification.

This video showcases firsthand Privaris' new approach to identity verification (.wmv).

Day Care Centers Use Biometrics To Help Secure Children

Security Products Online has another great article on Biometrics that I would like to share with you.

Day Care Centers Use Biometrics To Help Secure Children

When looking for a care provider, parents always want to know that their children will be in a safe and secure environment. And the Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Centers in Plantation and Pembrook Pines, Fla., have added another level of security by installing Schlage FingerKey DX biometric fingerprint scanners.

“The safety and security of our students and staff has always been the most important factor at our centers,” said Renee Johnson, district manager for Tutor Time. “Installing biometric technology was simply a natural progression for us, and we’re glad that we can offer our parents a little added comfort when they leave their most cherished possession -- their child -- in our care.”

The biometric system is part of a two-factor authentication system, requiring a fingerprint and PIN number to verify that only authorized visitors can enter the center.

To enroll children’s families with the system, Tutor Time has parents scan their fingerprints, which are then converted into a series of numbers like a bar code. The biometric unit stores only the template, not the actual fingerprint, to alleviate privacy concerns.

When a parent comes to the centers, they first enter their personal PIN in the unit, much like a bank ATM. After the number is accepted, they place their finger on the FingerKey DX sensor, calling up the stored template.

With a match, the door is unlocked. Verification with the system takes less than two seconds.

“From custody disputes to people just walking in off the streets, school officials must consider security paramount,” said Jon Mooney, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies general manager for Schlage biometrics. “While keys and cards are difficult to secure and manage, schools are also learning that they cannot take the chance of having a single code getting compromised, whether from ex-spouses, former employees, or a simple lost card or key.”

By:Brent Dirks
Brent Dirks is e-news editor for Security Products magazine.

- The Hackett Security team