Latest ID card News

Tyco Fire and Security launches CEM xProx 200 advanced card readers
posted on 14/12/2006

Tyco Fire and Security has announced the release of the CEM xProx 200 range of advanced card readers for use with CEM access control systems. The xProx 200 range is available in both traditional 125 kHz Proximity and 13.56 MHz MiFare (ISO14443A) smart card options. The xProx 200 range complements the existing offering of CEM proximity readers by providing an advanced Mifare smart card reader solution at a cost-effective price. As well as supporting Mifare smart cards, the range offers advanced features such as a backlit LCD to display system and transaction outcomes to the cardholder, a keypad for added PIN security and an internal database that allows the reader to make access control decisions even when offline from its host controller ensuring the highest level of system resilience. In addition, the readers have the flexibility to be connected over standard RS-485 communications to a host CEM controller panel or connect directly over Ethernet without the need for an int... [more]

UK Identity and Passport Service deploys Cryptomathic PKI solution for e-passports
posted on 13/12/2006

The UK Identity and Passport Service has deployed Cryptomathic’s PKI solution in its national e-passport scheme. Cryptomathic’s module is responsible for generating all cryptographic data, encrypting the data files for each UK passport holder - within the secure confines of a tamper resistant Hardware Security Module (HSM) provided by nCipher - and forwarding them to a production site where the data is loaded onto the passport chip in a secure manner. The data will then be used to verify the validity of passports, or individuals travelling on them, thanks to a dynamic dialogue which takes place between the chip in the passport and the local passport authority upon the passport holder’s arrival into a country. Peter Landrock, Executive Chairman of Cryptomathic, commented: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the UK Identity and Passport Service on such a high profile e-passport scheme. The selection of Cryptomathic’s PKI solution for this deployment is testament t... [more]

Biometrics system enables law firm to dispense with the need for keys
posted on 12/12/2006

Biometrics, the science of using characteristics of the human body to ensure identification, has moved from the preserve of Governments and the military to become proven technology with a vast number of security applications. A leading North East law firm has moved into its new purpose built head office and call centre in Newcastle upon Tyne fully protected by the latest biometric security and time and attendence system. Winn Solicitors specialise in accident and personal injury claims throughout the UK. Their call centre handles between two and four hundred calls per day and operates round the clock, seven days a week. Personnel will scan their fingerprint to access or leave the call centre and the system will automatically calculate payroll from the data held. Winn Solicitors is believed to be the first law firm in the UK to adopt biometric technology. The system which was supplied by UK Biometrics Ltd has enabled Winn Solicitors to dispense with the need for keys, PINs, swipe c... [more]

Sago uses natural body heat to detect the presence of hidden explosives, guns and knives
posted on 12/12/2006

Sago Systems, Inc. has announced the initial sales of its aPatTM, a recently introduced handheld personnel screening tool for the detection of concealed weapons and explosives. The units have been purchased by a Japan-based media company for high level entry control. Sago’s passive millimeter-wave/thermal imaging products capture concealed weapons, explosives and other threats in primary, secondary and stand-off screening applications. Sago has also announced its full body imager, iPatTM, which has recently completed and passed location and identification testing on a variety of explosive threats. The tests took place in cooperation with a leading security equipment provider. The iPatTM is Sago’s newest product, unveiled in September during the ASIS security show in San Diego. The aPatTM and iPatTM do not radiate X-rays or microwaves at any level. Both products are designed to provide primary or secondary screening in high security applications such as airline passenger screeni... [more]

Foster-Miller wins United States Department of Defense contract for non-lethal ballistic Boat Trap net
posted on 11/12/2006

Designed to bolster US harbour security and protect coastal military bases abroad, Boat Trap is a non lethal, ballistic net that is deployed from a helicopter into the path of a threatening speedboat travelling at high speed. It is designed to entangle the propeller, causing the craft to immediately stop. QinetiQ subsidiary Foster-Miller Inc, has been awarded a $1 million contract to further develop its Boat Trap system by the United States Department of Defense Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, working closely with the US Coast Guard. Port security and ship protection has become a central issue in the war on terror and recent assessments of US port security has highlighted the risk from terrorists' using speed boats as a mode of attack. The attack on USS COLE, in Yemen in October 2000 demonstrated the destructive potential of a surface attack and the vulnerability of ships in port. “Our non-lethal Boat Trap system is an effective solution against suspect surface vessels,” ex... [more]

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