Biometrics Security News and Information

The Maritime And Biometrics

Biometrics To Protect The Coasts

Biometrics is now taking a limelight into the protecting the Nation’s Borders. But this time, it is for Maritime Protection. This is something we do not hear about too often these days.

Well, Legislation for Maritime Protection is making its way through DC, and a major piece of Legislation was just approved by the US House of Representatives: "H.R. 1148 would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to formalize and expand the successful mobile maritime biometric identification program to combat aliens unlawfully attempting to enter the United States. The bill also requires DHS to ensure this biometric system is integrated into other systems within DHS and other Agencies." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/695).

Since 2001, The US Coast Guard has been very proactive with Biometrics to stop Illegal Immigrants from entering the United States via the water. Here are some Statistics: " . . . November 2006, the Coast Guard has collected biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) from 2,455 migrants, using handheld scanners. This has resulted in the identification of 598 individuals with criminal records and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico has prosecuted 271 individuals for violations of U.S. law, with a 100% conviction rate." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/695).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

As much as attention is being given to Land Border Control, especially with the Border between the US and Mexico, an equal, if not greater, amount of attention needs to be paid to Maritime Protection. We have major Points of Entry on either Coast, and Biometrics can play a major role for Verification and/or Identification just like it is being used for Land Border Protection, and the e-Passport.

Biometrics can also play a key role to protect the Cargo Transport Lines and Shipping Containers which come through our Maritime Points of Entry, and to insure only Authorized Individuals are allowed access to the Cargo.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/695

Knee Recognition As A Potential Biometric Technology

The Knee As A Potential Biometric

Well, now it appears that there is another Biometrics Technology at the forefront. With the exception of Vein Pattern Recognition and Iris/Retinal Recognition, a majority of the Biometric Technologies are focused upon the examining the external parts of the body. But the focus of this potential Biometric Technology is upon the internal component of the body, focusing upon the knee. In other words, it is called "Knee Recognition".

Scientists at the National Institute of Aging (a part of the National Institutes of Health) and the State University of New York " . . . . have now demonstrated that knee X-rays can be used for identification purposes. The approach rapidly analyses the X-ray images using the wnd-charm algorithm, which has previously been used to diagnose clinical conditions of the knee joints." (SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325150611.htm).

The basic premise of "Knee Recognition" is that it could potentially be very difficult to "spoof" the internal, Physiological parts of the body, such as the Knee. Also, the Mathematical Algorithm can recognize a pair of Knees, and compare it to X-Ray Images taken many yeas previously. Also, the Verification and/or Identification is to a specific individual.

Here are some details of the Mathematical Algorithm: "The Wnd-charm algorithm, which is publicly available, is a multi-purpose image classification method that looks at a large set of image features, including high-contrast features, textures, and the statistical distribution of pixels in the image." (SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325150611.htm).

Finally, Initial Results have shown that "Knee Recognition" is not as high as Fingerprint Recognition or Iris Recognition in terms of Accuracy Levels.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

This is definitely an interesting Potential, Biometric Technology, with the focus being upon the Internal Components of the Body rather than the External Features. One could surmise that the Internal Components of the Body are much less prone to degradation and contamination of the External Environment.

But to me, this Research and Development into "Knee Recognition" is still far out there, and will be a long time until it can even be remotely proven as a Viable Biometric Technology. Here are some key questions which come to my mind:

1)  Knees do age;

2)  As a result of the aging process, the Knee Structure can change;

3)  The Ligaments of the Bone and the Knee could affect any potential Template Creation;

4)  What about arthritis of the Knees?? ;

5)  What if the individual being examined has Artificial Knees?? ;

6)  Or what if the individual being examined has an Artificial Knee and a Natural Knee??

Just some points to consider, as the Research and Development into "Knee Recognition" continues…..

Source for this Posting:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325150611.htm

A Security Recording Device

A New Type of Blog Posting

Well, today, I decided to take a break from usual Postings about Biometrics and talk briefly about another type of Security Technology: Surveillance Video Systems. A Security/Biometrics Vendor known as "3VR Security, Inc." has come out with a new type of Surveillance Recorder, called the "S-Series Smart Recorder".

Apparently, it is a complete Integrated Security Video System, which can blend with other types of Security Information and Data, even Biometrics. For example, "The S-Series’ open integration platform allows users to quickly and easily incorporate important data from other systems such as access control, ATM and POS, and offers the software development tools to accommodate the growing needs of the secure enterprise. The system’s durable exterior, heat resistant structure and compact dimensions also enable the platform to be versatile enough for confined spaces (such as ATMs and kiosks) that traditionally rely on un-sophisticated surveillance devices." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5804).

This Product can also fit into other types of Networking and Security Systems and Infrastructures. Also, it is designed to fit the Financial Budget of Small to Medium Sized Businesses (SME’s).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

To be honest, I am not all familiar with the Security Video System Market-perhaps I need to explore more about it and write more Postings about this area of Security. But, I really think is neat how a single Security System can incorporate other types of Security Data and Information.

I think this kind of Security System will work great in a Multimodal Security System, where multiple pieces of Security Data have to be pooled together in order to Verify and/or Identify an individual.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5804

The e-Passport In Europe: An Update

More About the e-Passport In Europe

Here is an update as to the Happenings and Developments of the e-Passport in Europe:

1)  Children under 12 will not be required to submit their Fingerprint for the e-Passport. There has been some debate on this, and I also have written a Posting on this issue. I think one of the major points of consideration is that the Physiology and Structure of a Fingerprint can change rapidly as children grow older, so thus, it is theoretically not viable to Enroll/Verify children into the e-Passport. However, this topic will be examined once again in the future.

2)  There is also strong favor that there should be a Central Location to receive applications for the e-Passport as well as to collect and process all types of Biometric Information and Data. The idea behind this is that every Country Consulate in the EC will not have to have their own equipment in order to process e-Passport Paperwork and Biometric Information and data. For example, "A special type of representation, purely to receive applications and collect biometric data, would be set up. In this way Member States would not need to equip every one of their consulates with biometric collection equipment. "Co-location" or "Common Application Centres" would also help strengthen consular co-operation locally." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/692).

3) It was also agreed, that as much as possible, Outsourcing should not be used for the processing of e-Passport Paperwork as well as the Biometric Information and Data. The only exception to this is if " . . . because of a very high number of visa applications, it is impossible to organise the collection of biometric identifiers in appropriate conditions or to ensure sufficient geographical cover in the country concerned in another way." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/692). If Outsourcing does take place, it was also agreed that the strictest Safety Measures will be enforced. The primary goal of not Outsourcing is to give every Citizen residing in an EC Country a chance to use their own Country Consulates first. If this is not the case, then a Service Fee will be charged, in addition to the normal Processing Fee for the e-Passport.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

I will bring in more updates like these as I see them with regards to the e-Passport, not just in Europe, but other Countries who are also planning to adopt the e-Passport. In one of my first Postings in 2009, I had mentioned 2009 could be the year of the e-Passport, and so far, it seems like that this could be the case.

Also, it is good to see the Federal Governments in the EC are addressing the needs of their Citizens, and making them a priority as the e-Passport continues to evolve and be implemented. I especially liked the fact that Outsourcing will be kept to a bare minimum if at all necessary, and if so, the strictest Security Measures will be developed, implemented, and observed.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/692

Biometrics Getting Miniature In Size

The Thinnest Fingerprint Sensor Around

A Security/Bioemtrics Vendor has apparently just come out with what is believed to be the thinnest Fingerprint Sensor available on the Market today. The Fingerprint Sensor on a Biometric Device is what captures the unique images of the Fingerprint, and the End User actually has to make contact with the Sensor.

The Security/Biometrics Vendor is known as "Sonavation, Inc.", and the Fingerprint Sensor is called "Sonic Slide STS 3000". It as thick or as thin (well, depending on you examine it) of a First Class Mailing Stamp. What is unique about this Product is that it uses Ultrasound Technology to capture the unique images of the Fingerprint. Traditionally, it is Optical Sensor Technology which is used in Fingerprint Recognition Devices today. A major problem with this latter Technology is that it is very much prone to Contaminants and Debris from the Fingerprint, which can cause damage to the Optical Sensor over a period of time. Also, there are problems with Electrostatic Discharge (imagine you are barefoot on a carpet, you rub your foot, and touch your finger on a doorknob and a feel a very quick shock-this is the same effect which can happen on the Optical Sensor of Fingerprint Recognition Device). Apparently, this Product helps to reduce the effects of Electrostatic Discharge, and as a result, it can handle 10,000,000+ Fingerprint touches.

The Technical Details of this Product are just as fascinating. For example, " . . . the SonicSlide STS3000 uses ultrasound principles similar to those used in medical applications, enabling it to achieve far greater accuracy of fingerprint images than available through DC or RF capacitive silicon sensors. Additionally, unlike silicon-based sensors that may be damaged through electrostatic discharge (ESD), the SonicSlide STS3000 is based on composite ceramic MEMS technology, which is not affected by ESD. It combines this Micro-Electro Machine Systems technology with advanced polymers to deliver very high resolution fingerprint images at very low cost . . . All of these components are integrated into a single package about 35 mm in length by 14.5 mm wide with a thickness of only 0.25 mm. The sensing element alone is only 3 mm in length by 14 mm wide by 0.1 mm thick . . . [and] 256 shades of gray to form the images of ridges and valleys of the fingerprint [can be registered]". (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5797).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

As much as Technology in all forms are getting extremely small (especially in the Wireless and PC Markets), so it seems that Biometric Technologies are also getting more miniature in size. To me, it will be very interesting to see how this New Trend unfolds. Could this new Product be the Catalyst? Only time will tell. To be honest, this is the first time I have heard of any kind of Biometric Technology to be so small and miniature in size.

Also, this breakthrough in small size could prove to be a Boon for the Wireless Technologies Markets and its related Applications. Take the example of Cellular Phones. Many of them are coming out now with some sort of Fingerprint Recognition Device on them for added Security, and as far as I know, they use Optical Recognition Technology. Although the Devices are rugged, the Technology is still very sensitive, and any small bit of Particle or Debris can cause some serious damage to the Optical Sensor, or as mentioned before, even Electrostatic Discharge can cause some grave damage. By using Ultrasound Technology this small, these problems should be greatly alleviated, and as a result, make that layer of Protection and Security on the Cellular Phone that much better and even more powerful.

In fact, it seems like the Vendor is already tapping into this, for example, "The SonicSlide STS3000 integrates the necessary software and device drivers to be compatible with significant mobile hardware platforms and offers compatibility with the Symbian, Microsoft Windows Mobile, and Android mobile operating systems." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5797).

In my opinion, I think such small sized and miniature Biometric Technologies will work best for Single Sign Solutions, but not so much for Physical Access Entry Applications where a full image of the Hand, the Iris, or the Face is needed in order to capture the unique Images of each respective Biological Component, in order to Reliable and Accurate Enrollment and Verification Biometric Templates.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5797

Foreign Residents In Costa Rica: A New Security Measure

An Identity Card For Foreign Residents

Well, Costa Rica is the next Country to be mentioned in my Postings of the e-Passport and National ID Card. However, what the Costa Rican Government is adopting is not what I would call an e-Passport in the absolute sense of the term, rather it is an Identification/Security for the Foreign Residents living in Costa Rica, but the Security Technology employed in this very closely to the Security Technology which is used in the e-Passport.

The Security/Biometrics providing this newer type Identification/Security Card is called "LaserCard Corporation". It is expected that this will roll out on April 1^st (which is just a very short time away), with the primary Benefit of reduced Enrollment and Processing Times for Foreign Residents living in Costa Rica. Some of the specifics: "As of April 1, applicants will be able to enroll at 25 specially equipped branch offices of the Banco de Costa Rica. The added capacity will significantly reduce waiting times for appointments and accelerate use of the new, highly secure ID card by the country’s 200,000+ legal foreign residents. To date, more than 40,000 ID credentials have been issued through the enrollment center at DGME offices in the nation’s capital, San Jose." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5791).

Also, another Benefit yielded to the Foreign Residents of Costa Rica by using this type of Security Technology is that they will be insured of receiving any Societal and Government Benefits of which they are entitled to, with much reduced chances of Fraud or Identity Theft.

This new Identification/Security Card will consist of an Optical Memory Chip, similar to what is being used in the Green Card here in the United States, for Foreign Citizens residing here. In fact, even before the Card is issued to a Foreign Resident in Costa Rica, a very unique Security Process is observed: "The system . . . consists of personal data capture, a unique applicant check to prevent the issuance of duplicate cards, optical memory card laser engraving and encoding, quality assurance and card issuance. Each individual stage of the process is controlled by biometric ID verification of system operators." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5791).

Final Thoughts On Today’ Posting

To my surprise, the Vendor is actually taking a very Proactive Stance in helping the Foreign Residents adapt to this new Identification/Security Card, something which I have been advocating for very much in previous Postings. They are making Information and Literature widely available, both in Print and on the Internet. For example, " . . . LaserCard will provide a range of bilingual web-based and printed public information materials and is developing additional materials such as document examination resources for inspection agents." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5791).

However, something I immediately noted was that while the Costa Rican Government is actively protecting its Borders with this new Security Technology, there is no mention made of an Identification/Security Card for its own Citizens.

Is it not equally important to protect for a Government to protect its own Citizens as well as the Foreign Residents? What about Counterfeiting and Forgery of Identification/Security Cards and other related Documents from within a Nation’s own population? Doesn’t this merit equal Security Considerations as well?

Just some of my thoughts . . . . .

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5791

Investing Strong In The Biometrics Market

Venture Capital Funding Once Again

Who says people are not still investing in Companies today, despite the Stock Market Climate??? Once again, Biometrics continues to be a strong player. I, once again, came across a Financial News Posting which states that another Security/Biometrics Vendor has just received Venture Capital (VC) Funding. The Company is called "Aoptix Technologies, Inc.", and focuses primarily upon Iris Recognition Technologies and Wireless Technologies, specializing in Optical Communications.

Here are some of the details of this round of VC Funding: "AOptix Technologies, Inc., . . leading edge developer of advanced iris recognition systems and ultra-high bandwidth wireless optical communication solutions, today announced the close of a $12.9 million dollar financing round led by Northgate Capital of Danville, CA. Participation in the round also included leading venture capital firms, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Clearstone Venture Partners, DAG Ventures, W Capital Partners and Lehman Brothers." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5789).

It appears that this fresh injection of VC Funding will be used to create a new Iris Recognition Device called the "InSight 2 Meter Iris Recognition System."

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

It is really encouraging to still see that Financial Investing is still vibrant and healthy in the Biometrics World. But once again, it seems that out of all of the Biometric Technologies I have written about so far this year in 2009, Iris Recognition is really standing out the most. Perhaps, this is a signal of some sort that Iris Recognition could be one of the predominant Biometric Technologies, both in terms of Usage and Market Share, within the next couple of years. However, Fingerprint Recognition and Hand Geometry Recognition will always be at the forefront in terms of dominance, because they are the oldest Biometric Technologies around.

Also, it appears that VC Funding is being targeted exclusively to very specific Security/Biometrics Vendors, but even more specific with regards to the Biometric Technologies currently being offered by that particular Vendor.

As for my end, expect as Market Analysis from me by this Summer as to there the VC Funding is going into the Biometrics World, and which of the Biometric Technologies is being heavily invested into.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5789

The Biometrics Market In Europe

The Economic Outlook For The Biometrics Industry In Europe

The Economic Forecast for Biometrics in Europe looks to be pretty strong. According to major Business Consulting Firm, known as "Frost and Sullivan" believes that the Market Value for the Biometrics Industry could triple in the coming years: "The market for biometrics products is going to almost triple by 2012 from its 2008 value. As the level of security breaches and transaction fraud increases, the need for enhanced, secure identification and personal verification technologies increases proportionally." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/689).

However, despite this very optimistic outlook (especially given the Economic Conditions today), it should be noted that the Federal Governments in Europe make up for almost half of the Biometrics Market Share, to be exact, it is at 44.5%. The Biometrics Industry took a pretty good hit financially, last year, in 2008. In the aggregate, Revenues declined by about 10%, but when in comparison to the other Market Sectors such as Finance and Banking, it is just a mere drop in the bucket.

Despite the fact that the European Biometrics Market is dominated by Fingerprint Recognition Technologies, there are other Biometric Technologies which seem to be coming into the limelight. I have written about these Biometric Technologies before, and they are Existing Technologies, or are in the Research and Development Phase with the promise of good potential. For example, " . . . established technologies that are gaining momentum include face recognition - both 2 Dimensional (2D) and 3 Dimensional (3D), iris scans, hand geometry, vascular scans (palm vein scans), and retina scans. Upcoming physiological technologies include skinprints, earlobe scans, brain fingerprints, and DNA recognition. Technologies based on behavioural patterns, such as voice recognition, signature scans, keyboard and mouse patterns, gait (walk patterns), and body odour recognition are also in the development process." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/689).

Multimodal Biometric Solutions are also expected to take off in Europe, fueled especially by the growth of the e-Passport. It is expected that Multimodal Biometric Solutions will be the norm by the year 2020, and this could prove to be the biggest Market Mover yet in the Biometrics World. This is especially true for existing Biometric Technologies, such as Iris Recognition and Facial Recognition. For example, "The integration of iris and retina recognition biometric systems and 2D and 3D face recognition systems are anticipated to gain wide adoption in the next seven to ten years with their low error rates. Multimodal biometrics such as fingerprint, face, and iris are expected to become the standard biometric for high-end applications in government, border control and airport security by 2020." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/689).

With respect to the emerging Biometric Technologies which are still in the Research and Development Phase, but do show potential to capture a significant Market Share in the next couple of decades is DNA Recognition.

Finally, it is anticipated that will be significant activity in terms of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Biometrics Industry within the coming years.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Overall, the Market Applications in Europe which will have the greatest potential include the Education Market (for example, using Fingerprint Recognition for the Subsidized School Lunch Programs); the Retail market (especially Time and Attendance Applications, for example using a Hand Geometry Scanner for clocking in/clocking out, instead of using the normal punch card); the Financial Market (especially because of increased Government Mandates and Legislations, and the proliferation of ID Theft); and the Healthcare Market (especially because of heightened Government Regulation and Legislation with regards to protection of Confidential and Private Data with regards to the patient).

However, in my opinion, the Private Industry needs to step in a lot more in terms of Purchase Orders and the awarding of Security Contracts. Just like here in the United States, the Federal Government is the biggest player in the Biometrics Market in Europe, primarily because of the launch and use of the e-Passport. There needs to be a balance here between the Private Sector and the Federal Government, with more favor to the Private Sector. There has been a lot done by the Federal Governments both in the United States and in Europe with regards to Bailout Pakcages in various types of Industries, and I would hate to see the Federal Government in both places being viewed as another Bailout Tool for the Biometrics Industry, given is Market Dominance and awarding highly valuable Security Contracts.

Finally, in my opinion once again, the focus needs to be on bettering the existing Biometric Technologies that we have now, rather than wasting valuable Research and Development Money upon what I call the "Exotic Biometric Technologies of the Future". I would even classify to a certain degree, DNA Recognition here. I have written about it before, but DNA Recognition still has a very, very long way to go until it can even be considered to have some serious promise as a viable Biometric Technology. In comparison, Gait Recognition has the greatest potential to be a viable "Biometric Technology of the Future". Let’s take what we have now, and make it better, in other words, using the Marketing Slogan, "Building A Better Mousetrap".

Ultimately though, how much the Biometrics Industry grows into the future, whether here in the United States or in Europe, lies in the hands of the End User. After all, they will be dictating growth with their Wallet and Checkbook. Therefore, the greatest attention needs to be paid here-educating the End User about the Ease of Use and the Perceived Usefulness of using Biometric Technologies in their everyday lives, so they can readily understand the Benefits of what they will be getting. Once the End User understands what they are getting and how it will serve to their Security Needs in a manner they can easily understand, they will buy Biometric Technologies, no matter how expensive it is.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/689

Security In The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Using More Than Just Multiple Layers Of Security

The United Kingdom is now testing Facial Recognition at two of its major Airports in both Manchester as well as Stansted. This type of testing is part of the United Kingdom’s "e-Borders" Initiative (I have written about this before in a previous Posting quite a number of months ago). For instance, "This is part of e-Borders, enabling the UK Border Agency to check people (eg through advance passenger information from carriers) before they reach the UK. The Government . . . is determined to identify people who pose a threat . . . stopping known criminals and turning back illegal immigrants. e-borders will also enable to count people in and out of the country." (SOURCE: http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=262787&arttitle=Facial%20recognition%20technology%20gives%20British%20passengers%20a%20faster%20secure%20route%20through%20the%20border).

Apparently, this "e-Borders" Initiative has some pretty aggressive Security Goals, for example, "e-Borders will screen 60% of all passenger and crew movements in and out of the UK by the end of December 2009 against watch lists, rising to 95% by December 2010 and 100% by March 2014. Already the £1.2 billion e-Borders system has screened over 78m passengers travelling to Britain, leading to more than 2,700 arrests . ." (SOURCE: http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=262787&arttitle=Facial%20recognition%20technology%20gives%20British%20passengers%20a%20faster%20secure%20route%20through%20the%20border00). The ultimate goal of "e-Borders" is to have the ability to track every single individual entering into and exiting out of the United Kingdom.

However, the Government of the United Kingdom is not just relying upon the "e-Borders" Initiative solely, it is also using a combination of other aggressive Security Measures to protect its borders at the various Points of Entry and Exit throughout the Country. Here are some examples:

1)  The Security Personnel compare names of travelers against various types of Security Watch Lists (of which I am sure are much better and much more up to date than what is being used here in the United States);

2)  Any remote type of tampering is checked for thoroughly on all Travel Documents;

3)  The United Kingdom, as far as I know, has adopted and is utilizing the e-Passport to some sort of degree, so as a result, there is a further Biometric Verification and/or Identification of the individual in question. For example, the most common Biometric Templates used in the e-Passport are Fingerprint and Iris Biometric Templates, so these can be compared in conjunction with the Facial Recognition Technology currently being tested;

4)  Dog sniffers, various types of Chemical Odor Detection Devices, as well as other types of Physiological Devices (these types of Devices do not necessarily involve Biometrics directly) are also used in tandem to scan individuals I question.

This very Multimodal and Aggressive Security Approach taken by the Government of The United Kingdom has certainly paid off great dividends in terms of Security Statistics. For example, "The use of high technology in British ports has already contributed to the seizing of over £260 million worth of illegal drugs, nearly 5,000 dangerous weapons and in excess of 800 million cigarettes." (SOURCE: http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=262787&arttitle=Facial%20recognition%20technology%20gives%20British%20passengers%20a%20faster%20secure%20route%20through%20the%20border).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

This type of level and detail of Security adopted by the Government of the United Kingdom comes of no surprise to me. In fact, I would even say that this type of Security would even parallel that adopted by the Government of Israel, which possesses one of the best Security Models around the world, especially when it comes to Airline and Airport Security.

It is because of this attention to Security that the people involved in the July 7^th, 2005 Security Attacks on the United Kingdom’s train system were caught in a fairly quick time. This has been largely thanks to the large number of CCTV cameras which proliferate the London City Setting.

Also, it appears that when it comes to the "e-Borders" Initiative, the Government of the United Kingdom is doing a good job maintaining the balance of Privacy Rights with its citizens. For example, the "e-Borders" Initiative has been " . . . been designed to have the highest standards of data protection. Access to personal data is strictly controlled and is only used for law enforcement purposes. The database will be held at a secure location in the UK." (SOURCE: http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=262787&arttitle=Facial%20recognition%20technology%20gives%20British%20passengers%20a%20faster%20secure%20route%20through%20the%20border).

I think we here, in the United States can learn a lot and should adopt the components of the Security Model utilized in the United Kingdom. After, history has made the claim that the United States and The United Kingdom have always "been best friends", so why can’t we extend this claim to Security as well????

Source for this Posting:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=262787&arttitle=Facial%20recognition%20technology%20gives%20British%20passengers%20a%20faster%20secure%20route%20through%20the%20border

Using Biometrics To Celebrate A Century Anniversary

The New Fingerprint Recognition System

To help celebrate its Century Anniversary, the Belgian Police Department is adopting a brand new Fingerprint Recognition System. This Biometric Technology is being provided by Steria Benelux, with the overall Biometric Systems Architecture being provided by a Bioemtrics/Security Vendor known as "Cogent Systems, Inc." This Biometrics Systems Architecture is known as the "Automated Palm Print and Fingerprint Identification System", or "APFIS" for short.

Here are some of the details of this massive Security Upgrade: "For its 100th anniversary, the Belgian Police Department's Legal Identification Division is getting an innovative fingerprint capture system. Steria Benelux has been chosen to equip the Technical and Scientific Police Department's Legal Identification Division with a revolutionary fingerprint-capture system. Steria is acting as "prime contractor" for this project. The system will be based on Cogent Systems' (Nasdaq:COGT) new "Automated Palm Print and Fingerprint Identification System" (APFIS). Steria will enable remote connection by installing the FIT (Fingerprint Image Transmission) peripherals required for the capture and transmission of finger and palm prints and traces, and will also be in charge of all necessary integration services." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5779).

There are some distinct Advantages with using this new Biometrics System, and they are as follows:

1)  Better Statistical Correlations in terms of Verification and/or Identification of Biometric Templates, as well as shorter Processing Times;

2)  Better Pixpel Per Inch Resolution, specifically, " . . . the new system can store finger- and palm print trace images at 1,000 pixel per inch (ppi) resolution and allows traces to be examined in comparison with flat or rolled fingerprints as well as palm prints." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5779).

3)  Improved Precision Metrics, it is claimed as high as 90% for Verification and/or Identification with the Fingerprint and Palm Print Biometric Templates, and specifically for the Biometric Templates, as high 99%;

4)  This new Biometrics System will allow for the Networking, Interoperability, and Data Access and Data Sharing with other Law Enforcement Agencies around the world.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

While I was writing this Posting, an idea came upon me. In today’s Economy, it seems that the terms "Bailout" and "Stimulus" are commonly used, and are synonomous with each other. Also, the talk of using "Stimulus" for Infrastructure Development and Growth is starting to come out.

So, why not include Law Enforcement Agencies as part of the Stimulus Package? For example, "Stimulus Money" could possibly be given to the major Law Enforcement Agencies to upgrade their Verification and Identification Systems. This will serve two purposes:

1)  This will no doubt be of great of help to the Law Enforcement Agencies, which in turn will help contribute to Economic Infrastructure Growth Development;

2)  This will create even greater demand on for Products and Services in the Biometrics Sector, which could act as a catalyst for an already booming Industry, which in turn, could help stimulate to a certain degree general Economic Growth.

I am not a Political Economist by any means, but this is my Two Cents worth . . . . .

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5779