nCipher miSense biometric technology simplifies airport check-in and strengthens security

(07/12/2006)

nCipher plc has announced that its encryption and database security technology has been deployed as part of the miSense biometric airport security system, which officially opened at London's Heathrow Airport by the UK Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP and Heathrow Airport CEO, Tony Douglas.

By using biometric technology, including fingerprint, face and iris recognition, miSense aims to simplify and speed up airport check-in and boarding while further strengthening levels of security. Over the next few months, passengers travelling on selected flights between Heathrow and Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific or between Heathrow and Dubai with Emirates will be able to enrol and participate in the miSense trials.

During check-in, passengers can scan their passport and right index fingerprint at a miSense self-service kiosk. This biometric information along with the boarding pass will then be used to verify them at security control and when boarding the aircraft. Participating is easy, free of charge and only takes a few minutes to enrol.

nCipher's Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) have been deployed in the miSense system to generate and protect the unique cryptographic keys that are used to identify and validate each traveller based on their biometric information. In addition, nCipher's SecureDB database encryption solution is being used to protect stored passenger information and passport details in order to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.

"The recent long delays at London airports as a result of tightened security checks have highlighted the need for a more sophisticated solution that strengthens security while improving the passenger experience," says Alex van Someren, chief executive officer at nCipher. "Protecting the integrity of stored passenger information underpins the security of miSense and we are delighted that nCipher technology has been selected to play a vital role in this process."

nCipher technology is also being used in a second related trial called miSenseplus. This brings together the Government Immigration Services of the UK, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, with the aim of creating an international automated fast track passport control service.

Passengers will have ten fingerprints scanned, an image of their face recorded for facial recognition and an iris scan. Once accepted, participants will receive a miSenseplus membership card, which will allow them to enjoy fast track immigration clearance when arriving and departing. To enrol in miSenseplus in the UK, passengers must be a European Economic Area National, hold a passport valid for at least six months, be aged 18 or over and satisfy UK Government background checks.

Developed as part of IATA's Simplifying Passenger Travel Programme, miSense and miSenseplus bring together key airport, airline, government and technology partners, including Accenture, BAA, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, the Home Office, IER, Raytheon, Sagem, SITA and nCipher. The trial runs until the end of January 2007.

Related topics:  Access Control   Biometric Systems   Physical Security   Security market sectors 

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