Holograms help fight banknote counterfeiting 
(04/07/2007)
Holograms are currently used by more than 90 issuing authorities on nearly 250 banknote denominations worldwide. Holograms have now been recognised in a special report by the US National Research Council as having a definitive role in the fight to combat banknote counterfeiting.
The report, entitled A Path to the Next Generation of U.S. Banknotes: Keeping them Real, has been welcomed by the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA). The report “identifies 21st century materials and technologies to deter 21st century counterfeiting of banknotes.”
According to the two-year study, the widespread availability of digital imaging and printing technologies has led to significant increases in casual counterfeiting, suggesting that dramatic changes might be appropriate in the way the United States designs and produces currency.
Included in the comments is a recommendation that currency features should be combined in different ways to provide a layered defence against counterfeiters. This should include “the addition of high technology optical devices that produce dramatic visual effect, such as diffractive optical variable devices” (the generic term for high security holograms).
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is made up of nearly 90 of the world's leading hologram companies. IHMA members are the leading producers and converters of holograms for banknote security, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging, graphics and other commercial applications around the world.
Ian Lancaster, IHMA General Secretary, commented: “This report further cements the position of holograms and related devices as a fundamental security measure for banknotes and, by extension, other government issued documents that require protection against counterfeiters.”
Related topics: Crime and Fraud Prevention
Print version | 
Email to a friend | 
Related articles
Data breaches: Trends, costs and best practices gives you all the latest information on securing personal and corporate data, key recommendations for immediate action to improve data security, and how to respond to data breaches.
Other Security news and resources
Security News
Suppliers Directory
Jobs forum
Classifieds
Knowledge base
White papers
Research library
Security books
Special reports
Security interviews
Security companies
Security events
Security links
Security market
Product channels
Access Control Biometrics CCTV Intruder Alarms IT Security Manned Guarding Perimeter Protection Physical Security Remote Monitoring Security Services Fire, Health & Safety Other Security Products
IT Security white papers and research library
Access Control Authentication Data Management Data Security Digital Signatures Email Security Identity Management Internet Security Intrusion Prevention Network Security Remote access security Security Management Security Policies Security Software Security Threats Virus Detection Software Virus Protection VPN Vulnerability Assessment Wireless Security
Security books, guides, standards and toolkits
RFID and Smart Cards books, guides and reference documents Biometric books, guides and reference documents CCTV books, guides and reference documents Intruder alarms and intrusion detection systems books, guides and reference documents Monitoring and surveillance books, guides and reference documents IT Governance, ISO 27001 ISO 17799 and BS 7799 toolkits Fire, Health & Safety books, guides and reference documents
