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| January 26, 2006
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Dear readers,
The Biometrics Info provides you with the latest news on biometrics, smartcards and network security. We provide you with this free service 2 or 3 times a week depending on the news available.
We provide a RSS feed for daily use. During the week all the news will be available through the RSS feed with a weekly summary on friday through the Biometrics Info e-zine.
We carefully selected the newsarticles for this Biometrics Info and we hope you appreciate this edition.
Enjoy reading.
Reinier M. van der Drift
BioXS
English
Report Indicates Biometrics As The Next Shopping Convenience
Purchasing groceries at the touch of a finger is closer than many consumers realize, according to research touting the benefits of biometric payment, according to Fortune Magazine.
The report, by Sanford Bernstein analyst Emme Kozloff, found that "electronic wallets" reduces the potential for fraud and identity theft, speeds up the checkout process, and most importantly, lowers transaction processing fees for retailers, improving their bottom line. Already in use at supermarket chains, biometric systems are just one of several emerging payment technologies that retailers are currently experimenting with.
Report: Wal-Mart, Costco considering biometric payment systems
According to a study by an analyst at financial firm Sanford Bernstein, both Wal-Mart and Costco are "looking ... closely" at biometric checkout systems, which would allow consumers to pay via finger-scan (neither company would comment on the report). To use the system, customers would register at an in-store kiosk, where they would provide credit-card information that would be attached to a fingerprint. At checkout, the customer would place their finger on a scanner, and the appropriate credit info would be pulled up.
U.S. Hails International Partnership in Migration Management
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official salutes international partners for working with the United States to facilitate legitimate travel while improving border security and inhibiting the movement of terrorists and criminals.
Homeland Security acting Assistant Secretary of Policy Development Elaine Dezenski spoke at a conference in Brussels, Belgium, January 24 on migration issues.
“The United States shares your goal of pursuing multilateral and regional solutions to the inherently international challenges of migration management,” Dezenski told representatives from European Union nations.
In the Western Hemisphere, Dezenski explained how the Security and Prosperity Partnership among the United States, Canada and Mexico is working “to bolster economic competitiveness of the region while making it secure.”
USInfo.stata.gov
Date: 2006-01-25 |
Identix Receives Order Valued in Excess of $400,000 for IBIS Real-Time, Mobile Biometric Identification Solution
Minnesota BCA Expands Deployment of Identix' IBIS Mobile ID SolutionTo Law Enforcement Officers Across State To Enable Real-time Access to Biometric Databases Remotely From the Field Anytime, Anywhere
Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX) announced today that it hasreceived an order valued in excess of $400,000 from the MinnesotaBureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to expand the BCA's rollout ofIdentix' patented IBIS mobile biometric identification solution.
Finanzen.net
Date: 2006-01-25 |
Japanese Biometric Cell Phone
Japanese Radio has introduced a new phone targeted at security conscious business users. The Willcom WX310J includes a biometric fingerprint scanner in the center of the phone for security. In order to gain access to the phone you must swipe your finger over the scanner.
The phone apparently comes with the added ability to secure your computer. By plugging it in to your PC, you can lock up the desktop so that it can only be accessed once your fingerprint has been authenticated.
The phone will support POP3 and SMTP e-mail servers and J2MR application. It has a miniSD slot, but no camera.
PDA Blast
Date: 2006-01-23 |
AuthenTec Takes Biometric Security to the Extreme
MELBOURNE, Fla. – AuthenTec has introduced the new EntrePad 1610 — with advanced biometric security that creates the most trusted and secure PC protection, all in the world's smallest fingerprint sensor. The sensor is available today and has already been designed into notebook and tablet PCs set to be introduced in the next few months.
The EntréPad 1610 includes a host of industry firsts and features the industry's most comprehensive security solution to protect PC users from security threats such as identity theft, forgotten and burdensome passwords, fake finger spoofing, and others. In addition, the sensor's unique always authentication capability greatly reduces the risk of fraud if a laptop is lost or stolen, and allows users to leave their computers unattended without fear that an unauthorized person might tamper with online or offline files.
LinuxElectrons
Date: 2006-01-23 |
U.S. Banks Lagging in Biometrics Applications, Says Celent Communications
Biometric technologies are expanding their footprint in the banking industry, reports Celent Communications, as banks across the globe are using biometrics to curb fraud and offer customers an easy, convenient alternative to cards and PINs. However, U.S. banks may be more than a decade away from realizing its full benefits.
"It will be years, if not a decade or more, before the U.S. will be in the position to offer consumers the ability to make a payment with a finger, iris, or other biometric method on an open payments network," says Ariana-Michele Moore, senior analyst at Celent and author of a report on biometric technologies in the financial services industry.
International Biometric Group's Biometrics Market and Industry Report 2006-2010 details biometric venture capital opportunities
NEW YORK, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- International Biometric Group announces
the availability of the Biometrics Market and Industry Report 2006-2010, the most in-depth and authoritative Report on biometric market opportunities, trends, and growth drivers. The Report is required reading for investors, deployers, systems integrators, and organizations looking to understand the current and future landscape of the industry.
Key Report findings include the following:
- Global biometric revenues are projected to grow from $2.1B in 2006 to
$5.7B in 2010, driven by large-scale government programs and dynamic
private-sector initiatives
- Fingerprint is expected to gain 43.6% of the biometrics market in 2006,
followed by face recognition at 19.0%
- Annual iris recognition revenues are projected to exceed $250m by 2008
- Asia and North America are expected to be the largest global markets
for biometric products and services
- Multiple-biometric systems will emerge to comprise roughly 5% of the
total market for biometrics
PRNewswire
Date: 2006-01-23 |
Biometric data to make library debut
NAKA, Ibaraki Prefecture--A new city library opening here in October will replace library cards with state-of-the-art biometric technology.
Borrowers will hold their palms over a device that identifies people by comparing the pattern of veins in their palms with prerecorded patterns.
Users won't get their hands dirty since their palms don't actually come in contact with the machine, manufactured by Fujitsu Ltd.
Biometric technology, which identifies people through physical traits such as their eyes or hands, increasingly is being used at financial institutions. However, this is the first time the technology has been used at a library, according to officials of the Japan Library Association.
Asahi.com
Date: 2006-01-23 |
Bill targets biometric concerns
David Roed put his finger on the small scanner which quickly identified him and what type of lunch he would receive.
Instead of presenting a card, having a pin number to punch in or having a school worker recognize him and determine what type of lunch he receives, a computer does the work.
Roed, technology coordinator with the West Burlington Independent School District, demonstrated how a biometric scanner measures unique characteristics on a person's finger during Saturday's legislative town hall meeting.
Proponents of the finger measuring device say the equipment will cut down on identifying children who receive free or reduced lunches while opponents say the equipment could infringe on privacy and could possibly lead to identity theft.
The Hawkeye Newspaper
Date: 2006-01-23 |
Adding a Degree of Integrity to Online Education; Biometric Identification Proves More Reliable Than Proctored Testing
(Collegiate Wire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Jan 24, 2006 (Collegiate Presswire via COMTEX) --Ergocentric Software, Inc., an eEducation technology company, announced today the launch of the Ergotest Assessment Platform, a comprehensive distance learning testing application dedicated to resolving the issues of academic integrity in online education.The exponential growth of web-based distance learning is drawing attention to academic dishonesty and student accountability concerns, and, interest in online education continues to grow at all levels.
Biometric boost for retail security
Johannesburg, 26 January 2006] - Johannesburg-based Fingerprint-IT, in conjunction with Sagem, is preparing to roll-out what it claims to be the first commercially available non-card-based biometrics electronic pay point solution to the South African retail market.
This follows the successful implementation of similar technology in parts of the US.
Fingerprint-IT director Bryan Kimmel argues that many South Africans would benefit from the biometric pay point technology, which is based on the company's BioIdentity solution, unveiled in October.
bioMETRX, Inc. Receives Orders from a Major U.S. Retailer for Its Biometric Garage Door Opener
JERICHO, N.Y., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- bioMETRX Inc., (OTC BB: BMTX) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, smartTOUCH Consumer Products, Inc., has received a series of initial orders for its first product from a major U.S. Retailer. The retailer has placed orders totaling more than 22,000 units of the highly acclaimed patent-pending garage door opener that uses finger activated technology to operate the homeowner's garage door. The company expects to realize revenues of approximately $3 million dollars from the relationship with the retailer in 2006.
PRNewswire
Date: 2006-01-24 |
Biometrics Becomes A Commodity
Most laptops now have the option of an integrated fingerprint reader, and new regulations may prompt online banks to adopt biometrics. But is it the ideal form of authentication, or a privacy nightmare?
Biometrics has been called the future of IT security for years, but that future never seems to arrive. Last year, there were signs that this was about to change. Almost all laptop vendors began shipping models with built-in fingerprint readers, and biometric desktop keyboards also became an option from companies such as IBM and Microsoft.
The growth of biometrics is driven mostly by the failure of passwords. As computers increase in power, breaking dictionary passwords through brute force techniques becomes easier. At the same time, the increasing number of systems that each person must log in to is making passwords more difficult to remember. An unalterable physical characteristic that can't be forgotten or lost seems like a much better choice.
IT Architect
Date: 2006-01-26 |
Fingerprint reader built to withstand harsh chemicals
A biometrics company has created a durable waterproof version of its fingerprint reader for the food industry.
Fingerprint readers are designed for security access to computers, data networks and parts of a building. Due to the ease with which passwords can be stolen, many companies are using readers as a sure way of insuring only the right person has access to sensitive areas of a building.
Zvetco Biometrics's Verifi P3400 WP features rugged housing and internal construction so it can withstand tough environments, especially the frequent uses of harsh cleaning chemicals.
Francais
Visa pour les Etats-Unis, l'exception française
«A compter du 26 octobre 2005, présenter un passeport bio- métrique» pour entrer aux États-Unis, lit-on sur le site Internet de l'office de tourisme américain. L'obligation incombe à tous ceux dont le passeport a été renouvelé (ou doit l'être) après cette date. A priori, la règle est simple. Son exécution, beaucoup moins.
En France, c'est le ministère de l'Intérieur qui est chargé d'émettre les documents d'identité. Après appel d'offres, il a désigné une entreprise privée (Oberthur), seule dépositaire de la technologie nécessaire à la fabrication des nouveaux passeports intégrant une photo numérisée.
Le Figaro
Date: 2006-01-25 |
Contrôle biométrique: tentative d'élever le débat au procès
Pourquoi diable venir témoigner ? «Parce qu'on veut faire accepter la traçabilité à des enfants de 3 ans. Parce qu'on veut leur dire qu'il est normal que leur corps soit un instrument de contrôle, comme si c'étaient des bêtes.» Ainsi parle Louis Joinet, ancien directeur de la Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés (Cnil).
Vendredi soir, au tribunal d'Evry (Essonne), le magistrat comparaissait pour la défense de trois jeunes militants, accusés d'avoir détruit les appareils biométriques de la cantine d'un lycée à Gif-sur-Yvette (Libération du 16 décembre).
Libération
Date: 2006-01-23 |
Nederlands
Verloren geheugenstick MIVD bewijst noodzaak encryptie
Bij het Ministerie van Defensie heeft men afgelopen vrijdag aangifte gedaan van de vermissing van een memorystick. Op het geheugenschijfje stond vertrouwelijke informatie van de Militaire Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst MIVD. De woordvoerder meldde dat het onduidelijk is of er sprake is van vermissing of van diefstal. Het is verder onduidelijk of de informatie op de stick versleuteld is...
Computable
Date: 2006-01-23 |
Cybercriminaliteit kost VS 67 miljard dollar
UTRECHT - 23/01/06 Virussen, spyware, computerdiefstal en andere computergerelateerde misdrijven kosten Amerikaanse bedrijven handenvol geld. De FBI schat de jaarlijkse kosten voor de Amerikaanse economie op 67 miljard dollar.
De Amerikaanse politiedienst FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) onderzocht de schade die Amerikaanse bedrijven lijden door internet- en computercriminaliteit. Van de 2.066 ondervraagde bedrijven meldde 64 procent de afgelopen 12 maanden financiële verliezen te hebben geleden door allerlei vormen van cybercriminaliteit.
Europese visaplannen niet waterdicht voor privacy toeristen
BRUSSEL, 25 januari (IPS) - Wie straks als toerist of zakenman naar Europa wil, zal pas een visum kunnen krijgen in ruil voor vingerafdrukken of een gezichtsscan. De plannen daarvoor zijn geen toekomstmuziek meer. Maar het toekomstige Visa Informatiesysteem (VIS) biedt onvoldoende garanties voor de privacy, zegt de officiële Europese privacywaakhond EDPS. Straks is het aan het Europese parlement om groen licht te geven aan de plannen.
Eigenlijk zijn ze niet voor politieogen bedoeld, maar toch. Visums voor Europese landen zijn volgens de Europese regeringsleiders een nuttig wapen in de strijd tegen de internationale terreur. En dus krijgen Europol en de nationale politiediensten van de Schengenlanden in de toekomst toegang tot de gegevens die op een toeristenvisum staan, via een nieuw op te richten gecentraliseerde gegevensbank. Kers op de taart: naast standaardgegevens als naam, en vertrekdatum zal het toekomstige Visa Informatiesysteem (VIS) ook biometrische gegevens bevatten. Men denkt dat vingerafdrukken en een digitale foto de zaak zullen klaren.
Inter Press Service
Date: 2006-01-25 |
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