Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Biometrics in the Retail Sector

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Point-of-sale systems are the crux of revenue as well as that of theft in the organized retail sector. One of the biggest concerns for large-scale retailers today is to properly secure their point-of-sale (POS) systems. A break in the POS system can lead to loss of sensitive customer data, sales numbers, costs, profit margins, etc. In the hands of competitors or crooks, this loss could be disastrous.

Traditionally, the retail POS system assigns a password to every cashier to gain access to the software. But the password system has its drawbacks in that it is still vulnerable to hacks and tampering. These fears for business safety are prompting POS manufacturers to incorporate biometric devices into their retail software and POS hardware. Biometric security will reduce the chances of incorrect access and tampering and definitely make it easier to track and find individuals responsible.

These biometric components have to be separately installed into the system by the POS system manufacturers. Today, there are several biometric device manufacturing companies such as Futronic, Suprema, SecuGen and Nitgen. These retail systems could use a USB fingerprint scanning component such as the Nitgen Hamster II or the SecuGen Hamster IV or they could also use embedded fingerprint modules.

In terms of feasibility and best fit, the Nitgen Fingkey Hamster II is the best bet for better biometric security analysis. The Nitigen Hamster II is being appreciated by speculators and buyers alike for its extreme portability and durability. Overall, the Nitgen Fingkey Hamster II is very well equipped with the provisions of software and support modules for all security analysis. With its durability and analysis capability, it fits the bill as the ideal component for a POS biometric device.

New Jersey’s New Biometric Driver’s License System

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

The latest driver license system which is taken up by the state of New Jersey is a step forward to maintain a proper identification process. This system is a part of contract with L-1 identity solutions, which are in a seven year contract with the state’s motor vehicle association. They have been hired to provide a permanent, easy, full proof and secure driving license system.

This is part of the state and federal laws to check a secure identification process to curb further misappropriation. It is a biometric identification process which includes facial recognition, finger prints and some other set of patterns, which help for easy identification. The real ID Act of 2005 has been kept as the basis of the new approach to change the system of driving license.

Ultimately, the security of the software provided by the firm on contract will eventually help the state to provide easy solution for frauds, crimes, or counterfeiting. The new program is all set to make the access control system efficient and free of any hassles. This is very much similar to the old license but with differences, which mark the real changes. It has embedded pattern on the license, one and two dimensional bar codes.

The biometric devices used in the security system are reliable and too sensitive to catch error on the block. The state government has worked on many programs previously to reduce error identification, miss use and fraud of any documentation. Further, this biometric identification system features 25 points which are kept under wraps by the motor vehicle commission and other federal security agencies.

The driver’s license is used as an identification card for various reasons of authentication and fulfillment of criteria. The further issuing of the new driving license in the state, will help the investigating agencies to work purposefully with more evidence and recognition factors which are not told by the personnel of the motor vehicle authority- the licensing division.

Further, the new system will make the cards as proposed by the real ID act of 2005, which will help the United States Department of Homeland Security. So many licensing work and renewal work comes to the state vehicle commission, which needs software, data tracking, unique codes, and random and easy recognition of the licensee. All this is done with care and concern of the security of the state and to keep the levels of identification at par as compared to nine other states.

How can fingerprint scanners make Single Sign on & computer Logon more secured and save money?

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

With the invention of fingerprint scanners you can bid a farewell to password hassles for your computer logon. This biometric device helps the users to log on to your computer with the touch of your finger, instead of typing your password and/ or log in ID every time you need to check your mails or simply operate on your PC. The ease of use and increased security provided has made makes the logon to your PC very popular, replacing the traditional passwords.

The best part of using this technology is that it can be used to logon by a number of users. This means that if you’re using a PC at home your entire family can be registered using this biometric system. This system can be used by either hand. This technology will also protect you from any unauthorized usage on your PC in your absence or in case of incidents like theft, bugler and so on.

Biometric systems come with the Single Sign on Solution device which permits the user to either do local authentication for example; an employee logging into their workstation or centralized authentication where the authentication is done at a centralized point i.e. the server. Local authentication is much cheaper than centralized authentication.

The benefit of fingerprint scanners for single sign on and computer logon can be many – added security, convenient to use and saves money.

The fingerprint scanners are easily adaptable as they can be installed on any computer system. There by, restricting access to only those individuals having prior fingerprint registration for computer logon.

With passwords being very easy to crack, fingerprint computer logon has been heaven sent. Unlike passwords fingerprints cannot be stolen, copied or shared. You don’t even have to waste time in resenting password in case it is stolen. The fingerprint scanners are able to help organizations to save money on password maintenance and administration.

The process of enrolment and daily verification is just a matter of few seconds. This helps the organization increase the productivity during the peak business season. Moreover such devices create higher accountability, every employee can be held responsible for their actions.

Thus, the biometric systems with audit trail are able to map who, when, where and how did a particular incident took place. The fingerprint scanner for computer logon is of great benefit for those working on confidential, financial or sensitive issues in a high security building.

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader in Retail POS security

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader is a coming of age fingerprint reader from the leading fingerprint reader manufacturer Nitgen. It is MIC, FCC, CE, and WHQL certifies and serves as a simple and accurate identification system. It also supports all other essential applications including fingerprint recognition, fingerprint verification, fingerprint scanning, fingerprint authentication, and fingerprint matching applications.

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster driver has a USB interface with full speed/high speed support. It is a plug and play device that supports multiple OS such as Windows Vista/XP/ 7/98/ME/2000. The fingerprint reader features high-quality, rugged, maintenance-free optical fingerprint sensors with working temperature of -20 to 60 degree Celsius. Moreover, the “Auto-on” feature, that automatically turns on the sensors when there is a finer in the vicinity, provides a touch of novelty to the biometric device.

However, the feather in the cap of the Fingkey Hamster II is the Live Finger Detection (LFD) function. Thanks to LFD, it becomes impossible to fool this fingerprint scanner with a fake finger as the device rejects a spoof finger immediately. This coming-of age feature makes this biometric device ideal to serve as a measure of access control. It can be successfully used as a fingerprint door lock system to safeguard sensitive information and restrict access.

As a result, the Fingkey Hamster finds wide applicability in fingerprint or biometric-based computer login, fingerprint access control systems, fingerprint time and attendance systems, PC/workstation security, internet content security, and any other password-based application. In recent times, the fingerprint scannerhas also found usage inthe field of retail point of sale security. The device serves as a suitable access control system thereby protecting sensitive information concerning customer or business. It enhances password-based point of sale systems by manifolds. Moreover, its highly accurate user identification algorithm leaves little room for error and provides access to protected region of the software to authorized employees only. With the scanning and matching procedure taking less than a minute Fingkey Hamster ensures quick and easy service.

Futronic FS80 Fingerprint Scanner: Ensuring retail POS security

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Futronic FS80 data fingerprint scanner comes from the stable of Futronic, a renowned vendor of fingerprint readers and scanners. Made of crown glass of thickness 14 mm, this USB fingerprint reader is a reliable and user-friendly device and is more rigid than the usual optical type or semi-conductor fingerprint scanners. Futronic FS80 boasts of CMOS sensor technology which captures absolutely distortion-free images at a superb speed. Moreover, the presence of 4 infra-red LEDs with adjustable intensity improve illumination and result in better quality fingerprint images even from wet, dry or even scarred fingers.

Another hallmark of the Futronic Fingerprint Scanner is the fact that it can differentiate between a real human finger and fake ones. The scanner features Live Finger Detection technology. Thanks to special inbuilt electronic circuits the fingerprint scanner has the power to sense and reject fingerprints obtained from fake fingers made of play-doh or silicone rubber. Futronic FS80 supports all leading OS viz. Windows XP Home, Windows Vista or even MS Windows 2000. With an accuracy range of FAR-10-6 and FAR-10-2, the scanner ensures extremely accurate and distinct image.

These features of Futronic FS80 data fingerprint scanner makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. The applications of this fingerprint reader vary from identification to access control to attendance calculations. The latest use of this fingerprint scanner is to ensure retail point of sale security. It serves as the perfect solution for retailers who want to protect sensitive business information o customer details. Being a biometric system, Futronic FS80 provides enhanced security as compared to the password-based point of sale systems. All the retailer needs to do is to incorporate the biometric device into the retail software and hardware. Once that is done, every employee of the retail store will have to scan his thumb in the Futronic Fingerprint Scanner to access a password-protected area of the retail point of sale software. Needless to say, this provides maximum security for the point of sale system.

Use of fingerprint access control systems at construction sites

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Even a couple of decades ago biometric security was a dream realized only on the big-screen in sci-fi movies. But with the revolution of technology, biometrics has smoothly ascended from the reel to the real world. So much so that it is no longer a hallmark of intelligence agencies anymore. Today, biometric security is very much a part of everyday life.

Biometrics is the science and technology involved in the measurement and analysis of biological data, viz. fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, DNA, facial patterns, voice patterns, hand measurements etc. These are unique characteristics of the human body that differ from individual to individual. This uniqueness of the parameters has rendered wide-spread usage of biometrics as access control systems, apart from the usual identification, authentication and verification systems.

These days, biometric access control systems are also being used as a measure to record attendance of employees. This is of huge importance in sectors where employee wages depend on the number of hours they have worked. An example would be construction works where laborers are mostly paid on the basis of the number of hours they work. In such situations, biometric computer logons serve as an effective method to correctly calculate the number of work hours for each employee.

For such uses, fingerprint readers are most apt as fingerprints are easy to record. Also, fingerprints being highly unique in nature, there is very little room for machine error. With the help of a fingerprint reader a computer-based logon system can easily record the entry and exit timings of each worker and thereby help in correctly deciding the corresponding remunerations.

A more advanced system can be developed with the help of a fingerprint door lock. These systems usually require a combination of a fingerprint scan and a pre-assigned number (it can be an employee id in this case). These systems serve as excellent access control systems and can be easily modified to suit the needs of particular construction site. It can also serve as a measure to restrict unwanted entrants to the area of work and can help in avoiding uncalled for accidents.

With the growing popularity of fingerprint readers, more and more companies are launching new-age fingerprint scanners. Most of these have sensitive sensors that can automatically detect a new finger in the vicinity. Some even feature “live finger detection” functions that help in ruling out chances of forgery through fake fingers. The fingerprint readers usually come with a sturdy built and are capable of withstanding the rough environments usually faced at construction sites.

The use of fingerprint access control systems at construction sites is a cost-effective method of access control as well as attendance calculation. It not only saves manual labor and time for the process but also eliminates possibilities of manual error. As a result more and more constructors are opting for biometric computer logons at their site of work.

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster finds use in construction sites

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

The relevance of fingerprint scanners in today’s world is irrefutable. From being essentially a part of crime investigations they have come a long way. Fingerprint reader’s today feature in every walk of life. From access control to attendance record the uses are also various. As a result there is no dearth of fingerprint readers in the market today.

One of the market leaders in biometric security is Nitgen. Among the many popular fingerprint scanners available in the Nitgen stable, Nitgen Fingkey Hamster is highly popular and one of the most accurate ones. The Fingkey Hamster is compact and made with an elegant design that makes it so convenient to use. User authentication is done through a distinct algorithm and it provides an exceptionally fast matching which makes it an excellent choice for users. It is extremely durable and guarantees a long life. Equipped with a USB interface, the Nitgen Fingkey Hamster driver has resolution of 500 [DPI] and has a certification of MIC, CE, FCC and WHQL. Packaged with Log Management, System Restriction, Screen Saver and DB Backup, it naturally becomes a top choice. Also, the Live Finger Detection (LFD) function is a hallmark of this fingerprint reader. This feature makes it impossible to fool the system with spoof or forged fingers.

Undoubtedly, this fingerprint scanner finds itself as the perfect solution to finger print door lock in a wide array of places like banks, hospitals, airports, offices and other high security areas. Not only that, the Fingkey Hamster finds its profuse use even at construction sites where it is necessary to keep a watch on the workers’ attendance and also make their access control easier during the busy hours. Thus only one fingerprint reader is utilized both for IN and OUT purposes which helps to even cut down the cost. The Fingkey Hamster features high-quality, rugged, maintenance-free optical fingerprint sensors and a working temperature of -20 to 60 degree Celcius. This sturdy built makes this scanner ideal for the rough environment usually faced at construction sites.

FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner

Monday, January 24th, 2011

FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner is a coming of age access control device from Futronic, a global provider of fingerprint recognition hardware and software. The USP of this fingerprint reader is that it can scan both single and dual flat fingerprints as well as single rolled fingerprints.

This FBI certified and US General Services Administration approved fingerprint scanner boasts of meeting the US Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201) for Personal Identification Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors. On top of that, being PIV-071006 Image Quality Specifications compliant, Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner has become the preferred fingerprint scanner for many identification and verification applications.

Apart from its use in criminal identification, the scanner finds extensive application in many high-traffic access control systems-border control, election, identity card, driver license, e-passport etc. With a sensor resolution of 500 dpi and image size of 800×750 pixels, the fingerprint scanner ensures high quality images almost devoid of distortions. Another feature that makes the Futronic FS50 stand out from other similar biometric devices is the infra-red illumination which ensures improved images for wet, dry, blurred, or scarred fingerprint samples.

The sturdy physical features are the other high points of the Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner. The rugged optical sensor consists of a thick 33mm crown glass prism with anti-scratch coating. The robust built of the device makes it suitable for heavy duty usage in both indoor and outdoor environments. The operating temperature lies in the range of -10 degree Celsius to +55 degree Celsius.

Futronic FS50 can be easily integrated into most professional systems as it supports all leading OS–Windows 2000/20003/XP/Vista/7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit), Linux with kernel 2.4 or after (for both x86 and ARM9) and MAC OS. Also, to ensure quick data transfer a 2M standard USB Cable comes with the scanner as part of the product package. A factory-programmed unique serial number checks unauthorized use of the device. All in all, the FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner meets all the pre-requisites of an advanced fingerprint scanner and leaves little room for complaints.

Electronic signatures replacing their paper equivalents

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Among many things that Internet has revolutionized, business transaction is one. With most transactions being made through the World Wide Web these days, electronic signatures are fast replacing their paper equivalents.

The US Code defines an electronic signature as “an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.” But keeping concerns about signature forging in mind, a more reliable form of electronic signature has been developed known as biometric signature. Biometric signature is a signature taken on a biometric device and digitalized throughout the writing process. Instead of replacing a handwritten signature with a scanned version of the paper containing the signature, a biometric signature is digitalized during the signing process itself. The biometric device used in the process is generally a pen pad, an electronic signature pad or a tablet PC.

Biometric signatures find extensive application in banking transactions. They help consumers save valuable time and facilitate processes such as e-banking, e-mortgage, and online loan applications and approval. Moreover to further legalize transactions through electronic signatures, most banks use electronic signature software such as a signature verification system. This ensures that the e-documents containing e-signatures are legally binding.

But in spite of the measures being taken, electronic signatures continue to remain a disputable issue. The problems originate since most existing laws concerning electronic signatures were created in the mid-90s when an electronic signature pad was still unthinkable. But with the growing popularity of e-commerce and the increasing prevalence of online transactions, the need to amend such laws to include issues regarding electronic signatures taken through a biometric device has become imperative. As a result most countries, today, have included laws relating to electronic signature and electronic signature software into their constitution. This has boosted the use of digital and electronic signatures in the banking sectors. Moreover, with advancement in the technology, high-end electronic signature pads ensure the capture of high- quality cryptographic digital signatures. Such electronic signatures have the same integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation of on-paper signatures.

Biometric Fingerprint Readers in Banks

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Fingerprint readers, or scanners, are the most popular and most common form of biometric security devices used. Biometric fingerprint reader consists of an automated method of recognizing a person based on unique physical characteristic which is his fingerprint. Each type of biometric fingerprint reader system is different in application and consists of at least one similarity. Here the biometric is based upon a distinguishable human attribute which is a person’s fingerprint. Although there are biometric systems based on iris, facial pattern and even voice pattern.

Today fingerprint reader devices are by far the most popular form of biometric security used. There are a variety of systems available in the market which is intended for general and mass market usage. Huge bulky fingerprint scanners are a thing of the past. USB Fingerprint readers are now replacing them gradually. Now a fingerprint scanning device can be small enough to be incorporated into a laptop for security.

Fingerprint scanning essentially provides an identification of a person based on the acquisition and recognition of those unique patterns and ridges in a fingerprint. The biometric fingerprint reader’s identification process will change slightly between products and systems. The basis of identification is usually nearly the same. Standard systems are comprised of a sensor for scanning a fingerprint and a processor which stores the fingerprint database and software which compares and matches the fingerprint to the predefined database. Within the database, a fingerprint is usually matched to a reference number, or PIN number which is then matched to a person’s name or account.

In large corporations especially banks, biometrics plays a huge role in employee identification and security. Many data centers have jumped on the bandwagon and have implemented biometric fingerprint readers to enhance remote access and management by adding another layer of network security for system administrators. Biometric fingerprint scanner like the USB fingerprint readers which are extremely mobile and compact are also being used increasingly to track attendance and work hours for employees. Banks also involve a huge amount of data and a large number of footfalls. Here data security is of the highest priority because financial data is of key importance along with securing the transaction records and its accessibility to authorized personnel or customer. Biometric fingerprint reader systems are increasingly becoming the most reliable and the most secure security systems for banks. Today companies have realized that fingerprint scanning is an effective means of security.