New Assa Abloy OMNIKEY smart card reader allows authentication via card, pin and fingerprint

(10/05/2007)

Assa Abloy Identification Technologies (ITG)has introduced a new OMNIKEY smart card reader that combines contact smart card technology with fingerprint recognition. The contact based desktop device is especially designed for logical access control systems in high security environments.

Using modern stripe sensor technology, the OMNIKEY CardMan 7121 allows threefold authentication via card, pin and fingerprint. It is compatible to a broad range of fingerprint recognition and access control systems and can easily be integrated into existing and new biometric access security solutions. Companies using fingerprint recognition on laptops for example can now ensure the same level of security at their desktop computers.

Based on the OMNIKEY CardMan® 3121, the CardMan 7121 enables various configurations of fingerprint and smart card applications. It works with nearly all contact smart cards and related applications. The combination of smart card and biometric authentication increases the security of log-on applications with multifactor authentication or pre-boot authentication.

For fingerprint recognition, the OMNIKEY CardMan 7121 uses a modern stripe sensor supplied by AuthenTec. It scans fingerprints with the currently highest resolution of 500ppi and ensures best possible recognition rates. The durability of the sensor allows more than 10 million rubs.

The device supports plug&play installation and connects to a PC via USB. It complies with all relevant industry standards including ISO 7816, Microsoft® WHQL, USB 2.0, CCID, PC/SC and HBCI (Home Banking Computer Interface).

“The OMNIKEY CardMan 7121 is an extremely useful tool for any organization with highly sensitive data. The two factor authorization is taken to a new level by combining a smart card reader with AuthenTec’s patented TruePrint ® fingerprint technology, providing a significant increase in security while also improving end user convenience over more traditional Chip & PIN solutions,” said Marc Gebert, Director, European Sales & Marketing for AuthenTec.

"We are seeing widespread adoption of our swipe sensors in a variety of applications demanding increased levels of security. In addition to meeting high security standards, the OMNIKEY CardMan 7121 also helps ensure the protection of an individual’s private biometric information by storing an encrypted fingerprint template directly on the smart card, rather than having the information stored on a central database or transmitted by the internet."

“We see an increasing demand for biometric solutions in the IT security area,” comments Volker Kunz, Business Segment Director IT&Corporate ID at ITG. “By cooperating closely with leading biometric experts such as AuthenTec, we are able to complete our smart card reader portfolio to offer our partners one stop shopping also for their needs in biometric solutions.”

Related topics:  Access Control   Biometric Systems   Security market sectors 

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