Singapore ‘Entrusts’ ePassports to US Firm
Countries around the world are introducing e-Passports to enhance the security of their borders. These e-Passports have an integrated chip with the information from the data page embedded in them. To secure this information on these chips, Entrust, Inc. has led the way and proudly announces that it, along with partner Netrust, is helping Singapore protect the digital security of its new passports.
The Entrust Authority solution will be used to help provide the assurance that an e-Passport has been issued by the Singapore Government. Netrust has managed the deployment of the Entrust Authority solution to conform to the strict standards required for the issuance of e-Passports according to the guidelines laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Netrust has also integrated the verification of the e-Passports in the border control system.
“As we move towards e-Passports, making sure they have actually been issued by the governing body and maintained their integrity is a critical role we are proud to play,” said Entrust Chairman, President and CEO Bill Conner. “Our efforts aren’t just helping countries continue their participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, our technology is helping put passport counterfeiters out of business. And that definitely makes me sleep better at night.”
The project is designed to offer an architecture that can provide flexibility, high performance, scalability and security. In addition to the many physical security measures to be implemented for information security, the electronic chip will have the passport holders’ information secured by a signature from the passport issuing authority.
“Singapore is one of the most forward-looking countries in the Pacific Rim, so it is not surprising that we are one of the first in the region to move forward so aggressively with the e-Passport program,” said Singapore- based Netrust CEO Foo Jong Ai. “We also are proud to partner with a world class leader in security such as Entrust. It is a great partnership that will benefit holders of the new Singapore biometric passports.”