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Smart Card Alliance Releases New 'Smart Cards and Biometrics' White
Paper
Combining smart card and biometric technologies is
one of the best ways to assure information and physical security, according
to a new Smart Card Alliance white paper.
"Smart Cards and Biometrics in Privacy-Sensitive Secure Personal
Identification Systems" outlines how smart cards and biometrics enhance
security, privacy, performance and return on investment in secure identification
(ID) systems. The report is written for executive level technology and
security managers
Smart_Card_Biometric_White
Paper
(116K)
Smart_Card_Biometric_FAQ
(34K)
A new national focus on domestic security has heightened interest in
technologies that improve confidence in verifying the identity of individuals.
Earlier this month, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives
that would include a biometric feature on an encrypted smart chip embedded
in driver's licenses. Federal, state and local officials have proposed
other initiatives such as requiring biometrics in immigration documents
and issuing secure smart card credentials to transportation workers.
"Applications requiring the highest confidence in the confirmation
of an individual's identity are increasingly coupling smart cards and
biometrics," said Paul Beverly, Chairman of the Smart Card Alliance
and VP of SchlumbergerSema. "This white paper describes how the two
technologies add up to one very secure solution for ID systems."
A collaboration of industry leaders participating in the Smart Card Alliance
Secure Personal ID Task Force, the white paper covers three topic areas:
the general definition of a secure identification system, the function
of biometrics in ID systems, and the advantages of coupling biometrics
with smart card technology.
"We're living in a changed world," said Randy Vanderhoof, acting
President and CEO of the Smart Card Alliance. "There is increased
awareness and concern about the critical gaps in security for many applications.
Smart cards and biometrics are already helping governments and other enterprises
solve complex security challenges."
"The utilization of biometrics with smart cards to ensure that the
cardholder is the legitimate owner of the card is a good approach to personal
verification when smart cards are required. This white paper does a good
job of describing how these complementary technologies can be integrated
together." said Fernando Podio from the National Institute of Standards
and Technology, the Biometric Consortium Co-Chair.
The synergy between smart cards and biometrics will be featured in two
upcoming Smart Card Alliance events. White paper contributors will be
on hand to discuss this topic during the Smart Card Alliance's web seminar
scheduled for 2:00PM EDT on Thursday, May 23. The Smart Card Alliance
educational event, "Smart Cards in Government -- A Symposium on Secure
Identification Initiatives," will also provide a comprehensive view
of how smart cards are used in secure identification systems. This symposium
will be held on June 4-5, at the Hilton Washington & Towers, 1919
Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
More than 20 organizations, both public and private, were involved with
the development of the task force's white paper. Lead contributors to
the white paper were: Jeff Katz, Atmel; Gilles Lisimaque, Gemplus; Colleen
Kulhanek, Datakey; Mark McGovern, EDS; John McKeon, IBM; Cathy Medich,
Task Force Co-Chair; Gilles Pauzie, Gemplus; Joe Pilozzi, Philips Semiconductors;
and Martin Squibbs, Atmel.
Active members of the Secure Personal ID Task Force include: ACI Worldwide,
ADB, Atmel, Bank of America, Caradas, Cubic Transportation Systems, CrossCom
National, Datacard Group, Datakey, EDS, Foley Hoag, Gemplus, IBM, Infineon
Technologies, LaserCard Systems, MasterCard International, Northrop Grumman
Information Technology, Oberthur Card Systems, Philips Semiconductors,
SchlumbergerSema, and SCM Microsystems.
About the Smart Card Alliance
The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association
of member firms working to accelerate the widespread acceptance of multiple
applications for smart card technology. Through specific projects such
as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations,
and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry
leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice
for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of
smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org.
CONTACT:
Brendon Shank Porter
Novelli
202-973-3627
bshank@porternovelli.com
Bob Johnston
Smart Card Alliance
800-556-6828
bjohnston@smartcardalliance.org
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