L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc., a leading supplier of identity solutions and services, is part of the Northrop Grumman team that will provide multiple, fully-integrated multi-modal ABIS systems (Automated Biometric Identification System) to the Department of Defense (DoD) for broad use in the accurate and fast identification of individuals.“Being a part of powerful contract teams like the one led by Northrop Grumman is one of the many important ways for us to contribute to critical biometric identification projects at the federal and international level,” said Robert V. LaPenta, Chairman, President and CEO of L-1 Identity Solutions. “This award is an important milestone in establishing L-1 as a credible AFIS/ABIS supplier and positions us well for future opportunities, including the FBI Next Generation Identification (NGI) initiative expected to be competed sometime during 2007.”

The DoD ABIS system is expected to be critical in providing accurate and fast identification of individuals in the field as part of the global war on terrorism. It will become the biometric repository for all identification types that links to the intelligence community and civilian agencies. The system is initially expected to support up to 2.4 million finger, face, palm and iris records, and a lesser number of unsolved latent prints.

To implement the system that will incorporate, among other things, full-forensic functionality, the Northrop Grumman team, including L-1, will deploy the Identix ABIS System that is based upon underlying FaceIt facial recognition, BioEngine fingerprint technology, and iris recognition technology. Professional services from L-1 also will be included to support legacy data conversion and rationalization, as well as system architecture, design, implementation and ongoing support. Other additional products provided by L-1 include workstations for Ten Print and latent fingerprint examiners, as well as forensic face matching.

The L-1 biometric system will allow for tight integration with DoD service-oriented architectures and will support both centralized and forward-deployed operations using the same software that can support changing and varied sets of mission parameters. This system is highly scalable, providing full criminal AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) functionality seamlessly, whether used on modern blade architectures or portable laptops. The system’s open, standards-based architecture will allow for seamless support of third party legacy collection systems and is designed to support current and future DoD systems, as well as other inter-agency biometric systems.

AUSTRALIA - The detainment of Cornelia Rau - incorrectly adjudged to be a foreign national - could have been prevented by an upcoming smart card scheme, a Senate committee heard today.

Rau was held by immigration authorities for almost a year.  Patricia Scott, secretary for the Department of Human Services, is confident that the proposed Access card, containing biometric photo and other personal infomration, would have prevented the incident.

The card has been subject to the introduction of draft laws which are intended to culminate in the Access Card replacing the current Medicare cards, providing access to up to 16 government health and welfare services.

Source - News.com.au

One of the world’s wealthiest countries per capita, Brunei is set to embrace biometric technology by adding fingerprint scanning to their passport registration system.

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Kwikset(R), a leader in the residential security industry, unveils SmartScan, a biometric keyless entry system for the home. Building on the success of the Powerbolt(R), a keyless entry system, Kwikset now takes access control to a new level with the launch of SmartScan. The revolutionary SmartScan technology completely eliminates the need for a key or key code, utilizing only a fingerprint scan. Biometrics is the method of authenticating the identity of a person based on physiological characteristics. The most well-known method is fingerprint identification. Kwikset’s SmartScan is a biometrically accessible deadbolt door lock system that can be applied to internal and external doors in residential applications.

The SmartScan deadbolt is activated simply by swiping a valid fingerprint across its sensor. SmartScan reads sub dermal fingerprint patterns located beneath the outer surface layer of the skin, making it unaffected by dirty or worn fingertips. Programmable with up to 50+ user fingerprints, SmartScan also has a special timed “lock out feature” that allows homeowners three levels of access options. This feature allows continual access (24/7) for family members, temporary access for house sitters or contractors, and time restricted access for babysitters or housekeepers.

“Consumer acceptance of biometric technology is accelerating,” says Eric Lundquist, director of brand marketing for Kwikset. “It is currently available on portable hard drives and IBM ThinkPad computers, as well as in grocery store checkouts, gas stations and automobiles. Biometrics is an emerging technology that can give consumers an increased level of home protection and peace of mind.”

Kwikset’s new SmartScan technology is based on its proven Powerbolt mechanical platform. It can be easily installed on most standard doors and requires no hard wiring. The durable, low power consumption system operates on a battery with a life of one year (based on 20 accesses per day).

Kwikset’s SmartScan is specifically designed as a stylish alternative to the bulky, undistinguished industrial biometric security systems currently available. It delivers a sleek, attractive designer look and feel, with its biometric fingerprint reader stealthily integrated into the overall design. SmartScan is available in a variety of finishes that enhances any decor in any home. The finishes carry a lifetime warranty. SmartScan … it puts security and convenience right at your fingertips.