29 June, 2006
category: Biometrics, NFC
Wireless biometric security provider Privaris has launched a key-fob-sized device that eliminates the need for passwords and access cards, verifies identity via a fingerprint, thus safeguarding a user’s privacy, and works with existing security systems, such as those from HID, Indala, and others. The company’s plusID can be used to secure access to buildings and local and remote computers and networks.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia– Privaris Inc., a leading provider of wireless biometric security solutions, has announced the world’s first mobile, handheld device that enhances security while eliminating the need for employees to use multiple access cards and passwords. It is compatible with existing security technology from HID, Indala and others.
The new key-fob-sized device, named plusID, authenticates a user’s identity with their fingerprint and enables secure access to buildings and other physical facilities, local and remote computers and networks, and online or onsite financial transactions.
The plusID incorporates features not available in other biometric security products. It…
–protects its user’s personal privacy by retaining all fingerprint information in a secure processor in the device, not in a “centralized” biometric database.
–eliminates the enterprise’s liability and maintenance costs associated with implementing and securing a biometric database.
–can be used in place of traditional access cards with existing reader infrastructure, making the addition of biometrics fast and cost-effective.
–is the first implementation of the Broadcomr BCM5890 secure processor, the world’s most advanced secure processor with contactless technology, specifically designed to secure personal authentication and eliminate security vulnerabilities.
–increases user convenience and privacy while eliminating the need for disparate, expensive, biometric security systems.
Barry W. Johnson, Co-founder, President, and CEO of Privaris, Inc. believes the plus ID biometric fob introduces a new era of convenience, privacy and security for companies and their employees. “The plus ID can help protect buildings, computer networks and financial transaction systems from thieves, hackers and terrorists. It also eliminates employee frustration with having to carry multiple access cards and remember multiple passwords,” said Johnson.
“plusID fulfills our corporate vision of providing biometric technology that fits easily into our everyday lives. Our partners, Broadcom Corporation and HIDr Global- who are market leaders and innovators in security access technology and products – share this vision. Their collaboration was important in bringing such a strong product to market,” said Johnson.
plus ID’s compatibility with existing security technology from HID, Indala, Kantech, and SARGENT means that plusID is a cost-effective biometric addition that requires no changes to existing security infrastructures.
The device, which is Bluetooth, proximity RF, and USB enabled, includes a fingerprint sensor, buttons for application selection, LED status indicators, an LCD for one-time password display, a USB connector, on-board fingerprint processing, cryptographic services, a rechargeable battery, and credential transmission capability at multiple RF frequencies.
Michael M. Kohonoski, Chief Operating Officer of Privaris stated that plusID’s specification and pricing is aimed at broad application across physical and logical security markets. “plus ID plays directly into the trend toward converged IT and physical security solutions and the increasing security needs of commercial enterprises, governments and our society as a whole.”
Privaris has collaborated with the largest players in the security industry, including:
–Broadcom Corporation-a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications that offers a range of security processor solutions. plusID incorporates the first implementation of Broadcom’s BCM5890 secure processor, the world’s most advanced secure processor with contactless technology specifically designed to secure personal authentication and eliminate security vulnerabilities.
“Broadcom and Privaris both recognize the need to provide a trusted environment for physical and logical access authentication,” said Ford Tamer, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom’s Enterprise Networking Group. “By leveraging the high level of integration and security of the BCM5890, the plus ID device uniquely addresses the market’s needs for privacy and security at a mainstream price point.”
–HID Global Corporation-a leading manufacturer in the access control industry, serving customers worldwide with proximity and contactless smart card technologies; central station managed access controllers; secure and custom card solutions; digital identity and photo card management software solutions; and RFID electromechanical locking cylinders. HID will provide the idBank which enables the secure programming of HID proximity card formats into the plus ID device. “When increased security is required, plusID will provide HID proximity and fingerprint technology in a single mobile device,” said Debra Spitler, HID Global’s Executive Vice President of HID Connect. “Multi-authentication of identity will allow end-users to enhance their security program while leveraging the use of their existing installed base of HID proximity readers and cards.”
plusID75 is the first product in Privaris’ new plus ID line of self-contained biometric security products. In the coming months, Privaris will announce new plusID variations to address long-range vehicle gate access, government security initiatives (such as Personal Identity Verification or PIV), and authentication for financial and retail applications.
Availability
plus ID75 will begin shipping in August 2006, with full production in October 2006.
Technical Features
Each plusID biometric fob:
–is compatible with 125 kHz proximity technology, 13.56 MHz contactless smart card technology (ISO 14443A, 14443B, 15693 and NFC), BluetoothT, and USB
–is compatible with existing security technology from HID, Indala, Kantech and SARGENT
–supports one-time-password (OTP) implementations
–supports three-factor authentication for securing IT assets
–stores up to 512K of user credentials (including other biometric templates to facilitate multiple biometric authentication methods)
–is designed to meet the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 security rating for tamper-resistance to ensure the security of on-board biometrics and other user credentials.
Third party applications for the device can be easily developed using the Privaris application programming interface (API).
About Privaris
Privaris Inc. focuses its technology expertise on the intersection of high security biometric applications and an individual’s right to personal privacy. Privaris products authenticate the identity of an individual prior to that individual being granted access to facilities, resources, services, and transactions. Privaris Inc. is a privately-held Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia. www.privaris.com.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Our products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. Broadcom provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everythingr. Broadcom, one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies with annual revenue of more than $2.5 billion, is headquartered in Irvine, California and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at 1-949-450-8700 or at www.broadcom.com.
About HID Global
HID Global is a leading manufacturer in the access control industry, serving customers worldwide with proximity and contactless smart card technologies; central station managed access controllers; secure and custom card solutions; digital identity and photo card management software solutions; and RFID electromechanical locking cylinders. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HID Global operates international offices that support more than 100 countries and is a member of ASSA ABLOY Global Technologies Division. To learn more, please visit www.hidcorp.com.
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