Three ways identity management systems can make rolling out new apps easier.

Hardware security modules are the best when it comes to securing cryptographic keys. The secure, tamper-resistant pieces of hardware store cryptographic keys and provision encryption, decryption, authentication and digital signing services. These modules traditionally come in the form of a plug-in card or an external device attached directly to a computer or network server. They are essential to manage and provide protection for transactions, identities and applications.

Physical security professionals are having to make tough decisions. These decisions are being driven by the need to offer value and become more than just a corporate cost center. Physical access control systems need to reduce risk and cost, increase efficiency and add value. They also need to collect better intelligence and enable collaboration with other departments for improved incident response and remediation. By using systems that adhere to standards, end users can make it easier to add to systems down the road as well as upgrade and change system.

A U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee approved $249 million for the Office of Biometric Identity Management; the Dutch government selected Morpho to develop a secure biometric travel documents and identity cards; Verizon Enterprise Solutions introduced a new service called “Smart Credential,” a cloud-based system will offer a converged credential to the enterprise through a pay-as-you-go subscription model.

Norway Post deployed a multi-application smart card for an employee ID. The credential is used for physical access, discounts on railways, payments in canteens and access to vehicles. It’s also being used for secure printing and scanning in the office as well as time and attendance.

The Regarding ID summer 2014 issue is online. Read about the biometric boogeyman, digital identity technologies, will Bluetooth challenge NFC, problems with e-passports, identity vetting efforts at the local level, defining the hardware security module and much more.

Facebook engineer’s aren’t a fan of passwords. The social media site is reportedly looking at adding token for access to the site instead of the often criticized password.