Biometrics

The Netherlands selects ePassport authentication system from 3M
The use of biometrics for identifying people is gaining ground by the day; the Netherlands has just selected ePassport readers from 3M to verify the identity of the more than 40 million travelers who pass through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport each year; the government will place the readers at other border crossings as well
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Scottish school uses palm reading biometrics in cafeteria
In the first implementation of palm reading biometrics in Europe, a primary school in Scotland installs palm readers to facilitate a secure non-token, or cashless, payment system in its cafeteria; the technology may eventually be used to provide biometric access control, monitor truancy levels, keep an eye on class attendance, and provide for time management of staff
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New video analytic software can detect violent behavior
University of Texas scientists make a leap with software trained to distinguish between a hug and a push, or a handshake and a knifing; system is so far 80 percent accurate, and commercial applications could be available within a year; some see future in smart television searches, too
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FaceKey files patent extension for combination biometrics
Breakthrough attempts to leverage the speed of facial recognition with the accuracy of fingerprint scanning; company is mum on applications beyond access control; investors and integrators should give this modest and quietly ambitious company a look
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British national ID card program struggles to get off the ground
Despite £46.4 million in outlays to date, the Home Office is still uncertain about whether to create a new database or rely on old ones; Rollout is scheduled for 2008, but dithering may discourage firms from getting involved
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Biometrics remain a sticking point for U.K. ID plans
Officials say more tests are needed to ensure usability; U.S. VISIT programs acts as a model of what not to do; with every British citizen requiring a new ID, ease of enrollment is a critical factor
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FaceKey applies for biometric patent to secure vending machines
Contrary to other reports, technology will not be used to purchase snacks; instead, vending companies will provide their drivers portable readers which they will have to attach in order to gain access to the cash compartment; mobile approach enhances security at an economical price
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Analysts see growth in the fingerprint biometrics sector
$3 billion dollar market envisioned for 2011, with cell phones and laptop computers the leading applications; three vendors now control more than 20 percent of the market
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Facial biometrics comes on strong
Though smaller than the fingerprint industry, facial recognition is expected to be a $1 billion business by 2012; high costs prevent more rapid expansion; interested companies are advised to emphasize security benefits to help boost the market
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LexisNexis moves into the identity verification market
Known for managing legal and financial data, LexisNexis leverages technology to grab a piece of the HSPD-12 and REAL ID pies; company made first homeland security foray with TSA HAZMAT Screening Gateway; technology may prove useful for stopping entitlement fraud as well
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DHS selects RFID for PASS Card program
Despite privacy concerns, DHS believes RFID will expedite border crossing by allowing agents to identify passengers before they arrive at the guardhouse; trend shows RFID a government favorite for border crossing initiatives, but RF contactless has the upper hand for government IDs and e-passports
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Gemalto wins another European e-passport contract
Dutch company will provide Denmark with 250,000 e-passports by the end of the year, and 800,000 annually; Russia, United States, Poland, and Singapore among current national customers for the contactless technology
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India steps up IT security after major breach
Hacking is an emerging problem in this increasingly tech-happy country; laptops and Bluetooth-enabled phones are now banned from sensitive government offices; biometric authentication now mandatory for all classified computers
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West Virginia looks to expand local biometrics industry
Statewide initiative will develop a three-year development plan; FBI and WVU already state leaders in research and development, and I-79 science corridor is ripe for expansion
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IBM wins $41 million Department of Interior HSPD-12 contract
Support contract with National Business Center will provide 400,000 cards across a range of agencies; cost per card estimated at $100 to $120 depending on volume
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