New York, NY, May 22, 2002–Combining smart card and biometric technologies is one of the best ways to assure information and physical security, according to a new Smart Card Alliance white paper released today.

“Smart Cards and Biometrics in Privacy-Sensitive Secure Personal Identification Systems” outlines how smart cards and biometrics enhance security, privacy, performance and return on investment in secure identification (ID) systems. The report is written for executive level technology and security managers. Copies of the white paper are available at https://www.securetechalliance.org.

A new national focus on domestic security has heightened interest in technologies that improve confidence in verifying the identity of individuals. Earlier this month, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would include a biometric feature on an encrypted smart chip embedded in driver’s licenses. Federal, state and local officials have proposed other initiatives such as requiring biometrics in immigration documents and issuing secure smart card credentials to transportation workers.

“Applications requiring the highest confidence in the confirmation of an individual’s identity are increasingly coupling smart cards and biometrics,” said Paul Beverly, Chairman of the Smart Card Alliance and VP of SchlumbergerSema. “This white paper describes how the two technologies add up to one very secure solution for ID systems.”

A collaboration of industry leaders participating in the Smart Card Alliance Secure Personal ID Task Force, the white paper covers three topic areas: the general definition of a secure identification system, the function of biometrics in ID systems, and the advantages of coupling biometrics with smart card technology.

“We’re living in a changed world,” said Randy Vanderhoof, acting President and CEO of the Smart Card Alliance. “There is increased awareness and concern about the critical gaps in security for many applications. Smart cards and biometrics are already helping governments and other enterprises solve complex security challenges.”

“The utilization of biometrics with smart cards to ensure that the cardholder is the legitimate owner of the card is a good approach to personal verification when smart cards are required. This white paper does a good job of describing how these complementary technologies can be integrated together.” said Fernando Podio from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Biometric Consortium Co-Chair.

The synergy between smart cards and biometrics will be featured in two upcoming Smart Card Alliance events. White paper contributors will be on hand to discuss this topic during the Smart Card Alliance’s web seminar scheduled for 2:00PM EDT on Thursday, May 23. The Smart Card Alliance educational event, “Smart Cards in Government–A Symposium on Secure Identification Initiatives,” will also provide a comprehensive view of how smart cards are used in secure identification systems. This symposium will be held on June 4-5, at the Hilton Washington & Towers, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

More than 20 organizations, both public and private, were involved with the development of the task force’s white paper. Lead contributors to the white paper were: Jeff Katz, Atmel; Gilles Lisimaque, Gemplus; Colleen Kulhanek, Datakey; Mark McGovern, EDS; John McKeon, IBM; Cathy Medich, Task Force Co-Chair; Gilles Pauzié, Gemplus; Joe Pilozzi, Philips Semiconductors; and Martin Squibbs, Atmel.

Active members of the Secure Personal ID Task Force include: ACI Worldwide, ADB, Atmel, Bank of America, Caradas, Cubic Transportation Systems, CrossCom National, Datacard Group, Datakey, EDS, Foley Hoag, Gemplus, IBM, Infineon Technologies, LaserCard Systems, MasterCard International, Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Oberthur Card Systems, Philips Semiconductors, SchlumbergerSema, and SCM Microsystems.

About the Smart Card Alliance

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association of member firms working to accelerate the widespread acceptance of multiple applications for smart card technology. Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations, and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visit https://www.securetechalliance.org.

Smart Card Alliance Member Quotes Smart Cards and Biometrics in Privacy-Sensitive Secure Personal Identification Systems

On biometrics:

“This white paper demonstrates again the leadership the Smart Card Alliance is taking in educating the market about the capabilities and benefits of smart card technology. During this period of rapid technological development in both smart cards and biometrics, and with increasing market interest in these technologies, this paper is most relevant in educating readers about the basics of these technologies, and ensuring the market is kept abreast of the latest developments. As a leading edge IC manufacturer and supplier in both these fields, Atmel is most grateful to have been invited to contribute.”

– Alex Giakoumis
Director of Business Development for Secure ICs
Atmel Corporation

On security in business transactions:

“A dynamic ID card will allow us to quickly and conveniently establish a level of transparent trust when we travel or conduct business. It can be based upon a two-way disclosure that will increase confidence that the person is who they say they are and that the examiner is authorized to view the requested identity information. This virtual ‘trusted handshake’ will give both parties a sense of security when conducting card based transactions.”

– Jerry Johnson
President and CEO
Datacard Group

On government security:

“Datakey is pleased to support the Smart Card Alliance’s efforts to educate government security professionals on the advantages of smart card and biometric technology. At a time when governments are increasingly focused on security, we know that smart cards combined with biometrics offer a solid solution to securing identity. This white paper will no doubt serve as an important guide as our industry continues to work with governments on the complex security challenges of the twenty-first century.”

– Colleen Kulhanek
Vice President of Corporate Marketing
Datakey, Inc.

On identity, security and technology:

“The need to prove the identity of the person you are working with, traveling with or doing business with is greater today than any other time in history. Gemplus is pleased to work with the Alliance to educate the public on the real-life implications and benefits of combining smart card and biometrics technologies in situations that require the most advanced security. Combining biometrics technology with the advanced processing ability, flexibility and security of smart cards is an efficient way to securely identify each user within a system, while also providing the tools to protect the privacy of the user.”

– Gilles Lisimaque, Board Member
Smart Card Alliance
Senior Vice President and Co-Founder
Gemplus

On physical and logical security:

“Customers want security solutions that address both their physical and logical security needs. When used in combination, biometrics and smart cards can provide for physical and electronic verification of individuals in an integrated security system. It is an IT authentication solution whose time has come.”

– Rusine Mitchell-Sinclair
General Manager of Safety and Security Services
IBM

On smart cards, biometrics and security:

“Oberthur Card Systems fully supports the efforts of the Smart Card Alliance in promoting the benefits of chip card technology in enhancing security. This white paper demonstrates the highly complementary nature of biometrics and smart card technologies, and more importantly, the significant improvements in security and convenience that can be achieved by combining the two.”

– Thierry Burgess
Executive Vice-President
Sales & Marketing
Oberthur Card Systems

On the potential of smart cards:

“As a principal member of the Smart Card Alliance, SchlumbergerSema believes that participation in initiatives that improve awareness and educate the potential users of smart cards and their benefits is critical in promoting widespread use. The market has begun to realize the potential of smart cards as providing the most secure, portable and convenient medium for authenticating individuals. The technology is no longer looking for a problem, that problem has been solved.”

– Paul Beverly
Chairman
Smart Card Alliance
Vice President Smart Cards and eTransactions
SchlumbergerSema North America

On biometrics and security:

“Over the past several months, there has been a growing demand for biometric technology in the security marketplace, particularly the government sector. Combining the precision of biometric identification with the storage capability of smart cards creates a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy solution to address security concerns today and in the future.”

– Jason Schouw
Vice President, Americas
SCM Microsystems