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| September 01, 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
A most intriguing buy: Google acquires biometrics firm Neven Vision
Here's one for the conspiracy theorists. Yesterday Google announced the purchase of Neven Vision, which specialized in photo recognition software which does business both with the cellphone industry (organize your camphone pics) and the federal government (recognize who's going through security with tubes of gel in each hand and white powder on his shoes). So does buy give Google a leg up in the online digital photo service biz? (Yes.) Or a foot in the door into the lucrative federal government contracting biz (possibly).
SiliconValleyWatcher
Date: 2006-08-25 |
NEC's Core 2 Duo laptops
New Straits Times Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) NEC has launched the Versa E6210 and E6200 in conjunction with the launch of the Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processor.
These latest additions to the Versa family feature a 14.1-inch wide- screen (dubbed WXGA with Super Shine View), latchless liquid crystal display panel, an Eco button for one-touch power-saving mode, Reduction of Hazardous Substances compliance and Windows Vista-capable.
Other model-specific features are NVidia's GeForce Go 7300, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, fingerprint recognition technology and a remote controller that can slot inside the Express Card slot.
New Security Threat: 'SMiShing'
Consumers, corporate end users and security-focused solution providers have two more reasons to be overwhelmed this week.
First, on Tuesday, AT&T said a weekend hacker attack had compromised the personal data -- including credit-card information -- of as many as 19,000 of its customers. The ones most likely affected had purchased DSL equipment through AT&T's online store.
AT&T officials discovered the attacks within hours, shut down the online store and notified the relevant credit-card companies, but not before the attackers were able to make off with at least some critical data.
Informationweek
Date: 2006-08-31 |
Laptop travel -- a risky venture
by Andrew R. Hickey, News Writer
Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Recent changes in aviation policies and procedures may make checking laptops as luggage a reality, heralding an end to the days when they could be tucked safely under the seat or stored in overhead compartments in which items "may shift."
Laptops, in some cases, have been added to the items bannedfrom entering the plane, joining the ranks of liquids and lotions on the Transportation Security Administration's list.
Checking laptops opens one huge can of worms, according to Jack Gold, principal and founder of J. Gold Associates, a Northborough, Mass.-based research and advisory firm. The possibilities range from physical damage resulting in data loss to device and data theft, all of which would be detrimental and could cost companies a bundle. It's time for companies to revisit their travel policies for laptops and plan for the worst; though according to some industry experts, planning now may be too late.
ComputerWeekly
Date: 2006-08-31 |
British Airways to adopt N.Y. biometric screening
British Airways said Thursday that it would sponsor a new biometric screening system this autumn at Terminal 7 of John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, enabling potentially thousands of trans- Atlantic travelers to significantly shorten their wait at security checkpoints.
The system, which replicates the Registered Traveler pilot program currently used by 27,000 air travelers at Orlando International Airport in Florida, allows passengers, for an annual fee of $80, to breeze through airport security and immigration controls in exchange for providing certain personal information as well as fingerprint and iris scans.
"We hope that this gives our customers a more predictable and more convenient process through security," said Lisa Lam, a British Airways spokeswoman.
International Herald Tribune
Date: 2006-08-31 |
Most EU states late on biometric passports
Most EU member-countries have failed to meet an August 28 deadline to issue high-security biometric passports, EU officials said. An unnamed official said those member-states still not issuing biometric passports by September 20 could face legal action i.e. they may be brought to court if they do not catch up.
Only seven EU countries - Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden - are currently in a position to meet the August deadline. They have told the European Commission they are ready to issue passports containing an electronic chip with a digital photograph. A further five countries have said they would be ready this week, the officials said. A few others may be ready or close to readiness without having informed the EU executive about it.
EU officials said the interoperability and security issues with the biometric readers are taking longer than expected to address.
MPT Online
Date: 2006-08-31 |
The Many Faces of Authentication
It wasn't all that long ago that the market for strong authentication products was the tech industry's equivalent of "Coke or Pepsi?" Companies had just a few choices, including secure tokens such as RSA's popular SecurID and chip-enabled smart cards from companies such as Axalto and Cemplus.
Cards and tokens are still the name of the game for many companies, and the smart-card industry expects 2007 to be one of their best years ever. But behind the scenes, there's plenty going on in the once-staid market for user authentication technology.
Why? Pick your reason. Phishing attacks and targeted "spear phishing" make it easy for fraudsters to get the credentials they need to penetrate sensitive systems such as online banking and e-commerce sites, not to mention enterprise applications.
NewsFactor Network
Date: 2006-08-31 |
Viisage, Identix morph into L-1 Identity Solutions
The shareholders and boards of directors of Viisage Technology Inc. and Identix Inc. approved their merger this week, forming the new company L-1 Identity Solutions Inc. The portfolio of L-1 Identity Solutions companies — including Viisage and Identix, Integrated Biometric Technology, SecuriMetrics Inc. and Iridian Technologies Inc. — will focus on solutions for protecting and securing personal identities and assets. Robert LaPenta, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, will lead the Stamford, Conn., company. The previous companies will continue to operate and develop their products and services as divisions of L-1 Identity Solutions, officials said. L-1 Identity Solutions also will focus on the federal, civil, criminal, commercial, border security and management markets.
Washington Technology
Date: 2006-08-31 |
Pupils’ prints scanned
Campaigners have expressed anger that children as young as five have had their fingerprints recorded at three local primary schools.
The youngsters' prints were taken for a new system in place at the schools' libraries whereby pupils have their thumb prints scanned, instead of using a card, to take out books.
Opponents of the use of biometric records have warned that it is a massive invasion of privacy and a step towards a database state'.
Brockholes Wood Primary School, Brant Road; Longridge CE Primary, Berry Lane and Little Hoole Primary, Walmer Bridge, are currently the only schools in the area to have the Micro Librarian system installed.
Campaign David Clouter, whose 11-year-old daughter came home with details of Micro Librarian from her school, slammed the move.
"We wouldn't accept fingerprinting for adults without informed consent so it is utterly outrageous that children as young as five are being targeted," he said.
The Citizen
Date: 2006-08-31 |
E-passports not totally secure
Electronic passports have been introduced in a number of countries with more scheduled in advance of U.S. requirements starting in 2007.
What makes e-passports different from their predecessors is the use of a computer chip embedded on the passport that will contain, in addition to the information printed on the identification page, some biometric data such as a digital photograph that can be scanned by facial recognition software.
The London Free Press
Date: 2006-08-31 |
Dental patients get high-tech waiting room
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Dental patients at the University of Manitoba can let their orthodontists know they have arrived for their appointment by using a scanner of fingerprints.
Patients don't have to speak to a receptionist -- they can simply touch a fingerprint keypad at the front desk, which is connected through the computer network and sends a message directly to a computer at an orthodontic resident's work station, noting that the patient is waiting.
Upgrades to the clinic this summer have equipped each orthodontic resident's dental station with a chair-side computer to receive the biometric data sent when patients arrive.
"If a patient waits for more than 15 minutes, the computer will flag that the patient has been waiting a long time," says Dr. Billy Wiltshire, head of orthodontics.
Enhanced federal IDs could spark biometrics boom
The technology has been the stuff of movies for years: A secret agent runs his fingertip and an encrypted ID card over a pair of sensors. There's a match, and the door swings open.
In the coming months, a wave of government initiatives could start making such high-tech methods of identification commonplace — beginning with the replacement this fall of federal employee IDs. Similar cards are planned for transportation workers, first responders and visitors to the United States.
Packed with biometric data such as fingerprints and containing a computer chip with room to expand the amount of information stored, the new IDs represent a potential boon to technology companies eyeing an estimated $8 billion in identity-related contracts. Firms such as BearingPoint Inc. and Lockheed Martin Corp. have set up showcase identity labs, pulling technology from different companies into turnkey operations. Hundreds of smaller companies, down to manufacturers of plastic cards, are vying for part of the market.
The Ithaca Journal
Date: 2006-08-30 |
Europe pushes for study of biometrics to screen passengers
LONDON — Europe is stepping up efforts to explore the use of eye scans and other biometric technology to screen airline passengers who volunteer for background security checks.
The goal is to see whether airport security can be enhanced and congestion eased by encouraging frequent fliers to undergo pre-screening. In return, cleared passengers could pass through immigration and security checkpoints more easily by identifying themselves through biometric scans of their irises or fingerprints.
The renewed push by European authorities to study measures similar to the USA's fledgling Registered Traveler program comes just weeks after British police disclosed that they had uncovered an alleged plot to blow up passenger jets en route to the United States.
"There is an urgency," says Friso Roscam Abbing, spokesman for European Union Vice President Franco Frattini, the EU's justice commissioner. However, Roscam Abbing says, "We know that we cannot introduce any such system overnight."
USA Today
Date: 2006-08-30 |
NO BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION – NO HAND-HELD GAMING
Experts believe that if there is no biometric method to identify the person placing the bet, handheld gaming will not be a possibility. So it is significant that mini-cap (DMOI) owns the only standing, filed patent on technology that can deliver bulletproof security with a fingerprint read prior to each bet.
In its progression towards full patent status, (DMOI) announced on Aug. 23, 2006, that its patent application, “Biometrically-Secured Portable Wireless Entertainment, Shopping & Gaming System,” has been published in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Official Gazette. (DMOI)’s original patent was filed on April 20, 2004.
I’ve viewed and played the gaming demos from (DMOI)’s Website and I was really impressed, because each game appears as if one were actually standing in front of a roulette wheel or blackjack table - all very clear and really easy to see and enjoy. Check it out and play at: http://www.diamonditech.com
Financial News USA
Date: 2006-08-28 |
Unlocking Fingerprints
The technology has been the stuff of movies for years: A secret agent runs his fingertip and an encrypted ID card over a pair of sensors. There's a match, and the door swings open.
In the coming months, a wave of government initiatives could start making such high-tech methods of identification commonplace -- beginning with the replacement this fall of federal employee IDs. Similar cards are planned for transportation workers, first responders and visitors to the United States.
Packed with biometric data such as fingerprints and containing a computer chip with room to expand the amount of information stored, the new IDs represent a potential boon to technology companies eyeing an estimated $8 billion in identity-related contracts.
Washington Post
Date: 2006-08-28 |
Synaptics Launches SecurePad TouchPad Module for the Notebook Market
SANTA CLARA, Calif., August 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synaptics Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA), a leading developer of interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices, today announced
the introduction of SecurePad(TM), a new biometric TouchPad created especially for notebooks. The SecurePad product is the result of a partnership with Validity Sensors, Inc. which allows Synaptics to
exclusively offer TouchPad interface solutions that incorporate Validity's LiveFlex(TM) fingerprint sensing technology for convenient and reliable
biometric security in the notebook market.
The SecurePad integrates the LiveFlex fingerprint sensor with a Synaptics TouchPad, offering notebook OEMs a single integrated biometric interface module. This modular approach not only simplifies integration for the OEM, but also allows manufacturers to offer fingerprint security as a build to order option.
synaptics
Date: 2006-08-28 |
Oyco.com Secures Its All-In-One Messaging Portal With BioPassword Internet Edition
First Ever All-In-One Web Communication Verifies Online User Identities With Multifactor Authentication Based on BioPassword's Keystroke Dynamics
SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 28, 2006 -- BioPassword, Inc., the only software company providing secure authentication and anti-fraud solutions based on the behavioral biometric of keystroke dynamics, and Oyco, the first comprehensive web communications toolkit, today announced that Oyco is using BioPassword Internet Edition two-factor authentication solution to validate the identities of its customers by the rhythm of their typing.
"Whether we're helping hurricane Katrina victims or providing supplies to the Sudan, immediate communication is critical to our international aid operations; however, with passwords being stolen and laptops confiscated, secure communication is of utmost concern," said William Blaney, CEO of the Global Aid Network. "Oyco's communication tools along with BioPassword's authentication offer the perfect combination of convenience and security. Now, employees can log-on from any computer and know that their identity is protected."
MarketWire
Date: 2006-08-27 |
Securely yours
Security, always a top priority for airlines and airports, is now at an all time high as the world continues to witness turmoil and unrest. The mass movement of people, facilitated by low cost air travel, globalisation and more open borders, also reinforces the question of whether or not we can trust people to be who they say they are.
Governments around the world are, therefore, gearing up to improve the monitoring of the people moving through their borders. In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) together with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), has launched the pioneering E-Gate project. The system makes for a speedy entry and exit for passengers through the electronically controlled gates of immigration at Dubai International Airport.
ITPBusiness.net
Date: 2006-08-28 |
Deutsch
Biometrie-Firma DERMALOG für den Deutschen Gründerpreis 2006 nominiert
Hamburg (ots) - Die Hamburger Biometrie-Firma DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH ist für den Deutschen Gründerpreis in der Kategorie "Visionär" nominiert. Ihre zukunftsweisenden Fingerabdruck-Erkennungsysteme überzeugten die Jury. Die Bekanntgabe und Ehrung der Preisträger erfolgt am 12. September in Berlin.
Wie die Initiatoren des Deutschen Gründerpreises stern, die Sparkassen, McKinsey&Company und das ZDF jetzt bekannt gaben, wurde DERMALOG für die Entwicklung von Systemen zur sehr schnellen Identifikation von Personen per Fingerabdruck in der Kategorie
"Visionär" nominiert. Die Preisträger werden am 12. September 2006 in Berlin vom Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Technologie Michael Glos
geehrt.
Presse Portal
Date: 2006-08-31 |
EU-Staaten überziehen Frist für biometrische Pässe
Brüssel (Reuters) - In der EU führen nach Informationen der Kommission nur Deutschland und sechs andere Mitgliedsstaaten bis zum geplanten Zeitpunkt Pässe mit biometrischen Daten ein. Die meisten Länder dagegen hätten die Frist bis zum vergangenen Montag überzogen, sagten Beamte der Europäischen Union am Mittwoch. Demnach haben immerhin fünf Regierungen der EU-Kommission zugesichert, die neuen Pässe innerhalb dieser Woche auszustellen. Die Länder, die am 20. September immer noch nicht dabei seien, könnten verklagt werden.
Außer Deutschland liegen den Angaben zufolge nur Österreich, Dänemark, Belgien, Frankreich, Schweden und die Niederlande im Zeitplan und haben darüber die EU-Kommission informiert.
Viele offene Fragen beim elektronischen Pass
Der EU-Ministerrat hat Mitte Dezember beschlossen, biometrische Merkmale elektronisch auf Reisepässen zu speichern. Deutschlands oberster Datenschützer Peter Schaar sieht noch viele ungelöste Probleme.
Die Befürworter sehen ein wirksames Mittel im Kampf gegen den internationalen Terrorismus, die Kritiker fürchten Gefahr für die Privatsphäre der Bürger. Der EU-Ministerrat hat Mitte Dezember ohne öffentliche Fanfare beschlossen, biometrische Merkmale elektronisch auf Reisepässen zu speichern. Zweifel bestehen sowohl hinsichtlich der technischen Zuverlässigkeit als auch mit Blick auf den Datenschutz.
Die Stern
Date: 2006-08-30 |
Francais
La Pologne a lancé ses passeports biométriques
La Pologne a lancé lundi officiellement son programme d'introduction du passeport biométrique, a annoncé le ministre de l'Intérieur, Ludwik Dorn.
Dans un premier temps, les passeports biométriques polonais se limiteront à une version numérisée du visage de leur propriétaire, gravée sur une puce incorporée au document. Les caractéristiques numérisées de l'empreinte digitale et de l'iris de l'oeil y seront ajoutées ultérieurement.
Les premiers passeports biométriques seront délivrés dans les 15 jours, pour un prix de 140 zlotys (50 dollars), comparé à 100 zlotys (36 dollars) payés pour un document traditionnel.
Cyberpresse
Date: 2006-08-28 |
Motion Computing LE1600
Le LE1600 constitue une évolution technologique majeure comparée à la précédente génération de Tablet PC de la marque. Ainsi, cet ordinateur gagne en puissance, notamment grâce au couple Chipset i915 et Pentium M 758 basse tension. Le tout est réalisé en conservant une excellente autonomie, tout en améliorant la qualité d'utilisation.Pour cette nouvelle génération de Tablet PC – estampillée "LE" – Motion Computing a apporté plusieurs améliorations techniques. En premier lieu, l'association du chipset Sonoma i915GM, avec un Pentium M 758 à 1,5 GHz (comportant 2 Mo de mémoire cache) et 512 Mo de mémoire DDR2 400, permettent à la tablette d'afficher des performances probantes, tout en restant économe en énergie. La carte vidéo intégrée, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, peut partager jusqu'à 128 Mo de mémoire centrale.
Nederlands
Chaos pas is compleet
ROTTERDAM - De chaos rond het nieuwe paspoort is compleet. Gemeenten krijgen van producent Sdu Identification.reisdocumenten waarvan de foto niet voldoet aan de wettelijke eisen, en geven die toch aan burgers. Het gevolg kan zijn dat ze landen als de VS en Maleisië niet binnenkomen.
Minister Nicolaï, belast met paspoortzaken, ontving onlangs als eerste het nieuwe paspoort.
Het gaat om paspoorten waarbij het de drukker niet is gelukt om een biometrische scan van de pasfoto te maken. Daardoor is de informatie die wordt opgeslagen op een chip onvolledig.
De gemeenten mogen zelf uitmaken of ze deze ‘mislukte’ passen vernietigen, of toch uitgeven. Daarnaast blijkt de producent ook tijdens het drukken zelf steken te laten vallen. In Almere en Eindhoven zijn paspoorten opgedoken waarop de houder onherkenbaar was afgebeeld terwijl de ingeleverde pasfoto aan alle eisen voldeed. ,,We hebben ze teruggestuurd naar de Sdu want de kwaliteit was dusdanig dat je deze paspoorten niet als legitimatie kon gebruiken,’’ zegt woordvoerder Peter Spek van de gemeente Almere.
Brief aan de Tweede Kamer over de invoering van elektronische Nederlandse reisdocumenten
Met deze brief informeert de minister de Tweede Kamer over de invoering van de generatie elektronische reisdocumenten op 26 augustus jl. Tevens gaat de minister in op de brief die de Permanente commissie van deskundigen in internationaal vreemdelingen-, vluchtelingen- en strafrecht aan de Tweede Kamer heeft gezonden. De Vaste Commissie voor Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties heeft de minister om een reactie op deze brief gevraagd.
Chips op Belgische identiteitskaarten verwisseld
Een identiteitskaart van een jonge Belgische vrouw bevat een unieke fout.
Op haar nieuwe kaart blijkt de chip gemonteerd van iemand anders, een jongeman uit haar woonplaats Wijnegem bij Antwerpen. De man blijkt de chip van de vrouw op zijn identiteitskaart te hebben. "Een unicum", reageert fabrikant Zetes. De fabrikant begrijpt niet hoe de fout heeft kunnen gebeuren.
De Belgische vrouw had nog geen last van de verwisseling. "Ik was op vakantie in Spanje", zei Pam Helssen (25) woensdag in de krant Gazet van Antwerpen. Bij de camping haalde een medewerker haar kaart door een apparaat. "Mevrouw, volgens de kaart bent u een jongen", zei hij. In Nederland zijn deze week de eerste pasooorten met elektronische chip uitgegeven. De chip bevat een vingerafdruk en gezichtskenmerken.
Eerste paspoort uitgereikt met ‘biometrische chip’
AMSTERDAM - Het eerste biometrische paspoort is maandag in Amstelveen uitgereikt aan minister Nicolaï voor Bestuurlijke Vernieuwing. De nieuwe elektronische paspoorten en identiteitskaarten bevatten een chip die op afstand uit te lezen is.
In de chip zit een elektronische versie van de pasfoto opgeslagen, plus de gegevens van de houder die ook gedrukt in het paspoort staan, zoals naam, geboortedatum en sofinummer. De informatie op de chip kan worden vergeleken met de gegevens op het document. Zo wordt het lastiger fraude te plegen.
Ook, zegt het ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken, kan de gezichtsopname in de chip worden gebruikt om het gezicht van de drager automatisch te vergelijken. De daarvoor benodigde techniek is echter nog gebrekkig. De meeste gelaatsherkenningssoftware maakt bij een kwart van de gezichten fouten.
Volkskrant
Date: 2006-08-29 |
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