Source: Precise Biometrics
Precise Biometrics AB (publ), a world-leading biometric company based in Sweden specializing in user-friendly privacy-enhancing biometric security solutions using fingerprints and smart cards, has received an order from Athena Smartcard Solutions, a leading smart card vendor.
The order to implement a secure ID project with one of Israel's largest financial institutions, resulted from Athena Smartcard Solution becoming a new Precise Match-on-Card partner. The initial order for Precise 100 series fingerprint readers and Precise Match-on-Card licences to implement the first phase of the project is worth approximately SEK 4 million. Delivery of the first phase will take place during fourth quarter 2005 and first quarter 2006.
During 2005, the financial institution evaluated biometrics and selected the Precise Match-on-Card technology for a secured ID project utilizing Athena's ASECard Crypto smart cards and biometrics to issue electronics certificates for safeguarding IT systems operated by bank employees. The secure ID will be used with the financial institution's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based information system to provide positive authentication for executing transactions and operations. The ASECard Crypto smart card is part of Athena's Unified Badge solution, providing logical and physical (RFID) access control capabilities on a single Photo ID badge. Based on Precise Match-on-Card technology, the ASECard Crypto solution is targeted for the banking and financial markets, insurance companies, and large corporations worldwide.
"Biometrics and smart cards using Precise Match-on-Card is a perfect fit with the security requirements of the financial market," says Christer Bergman, President and CEO of Precise Biometrics, "which is one reason Precise Biometrics is excited about the project. "Additionally, we are thrilled to be working with Athena Smartcard Solutions. The company is a very competent and skilled partner and we look forward to many more projects together on the global market", adds Christer Bergman.
"During this last year, we have integrated Precise Match-on-Card support in our performance leading, ASECard Crypto smart card, as a part of our Unified Badge solution. We found that Precise Match-on-Card is ideal for achieving a high level of security, without compromising user-convenience or privacy", says Jochi Fuchs, VP of Business Development at Athena Smartcard Solutions in Israel.