Biometrics Security News and Information

Coming To The Help Of The American People

Government Testing

We feel the Federal Government of the United States all over the place.  It can be both good and bad, but given the plight of our economy, we tend to have a much more negative attitude about it all.  But how can one blame the American public?  They have spent tons and tons of taxpayer money on economic stimulus, but yet we still do not feel the effects of it.  Job growth still remains anemic, and the mood of the people are just about the same, or even getting worse.  But apart from trying to repair the economy of the United States, there is another yet in which the Federal Government very much dominates:  The Biometrics Industry. 

At the present time, they are the biggest awarder of lucrative contracts in this area.  I have let my feelings be known on this one, and as you can guess, it is pretty much negative. But there is one area in which I will praise them with regards to Biometrics.  And that, is like in other industries, they offer performance testing to ensure that certain products and solutions do meet certain standards.  One such test is known as “MINEX”.  Essentially, it stands for the “Minutae Interoperability Exchange Test”.  And, as you can guess, it is designed to “ . . . to measure performance and interoperability of fingerprint templates and to establish compliance for fingerprint technology for the US Government’s PIV (Personal Identity Verification) program.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.matchoncard.com/the-technology/relevant-standards-for-match-on-card/what-is-minex-and-minexii/).  There is yet another evaluation test known as “MINEX II”, which is an extension of MINEX. But the focus is upon Fingerprint Recognition, which is used exclusively in Smart Cards, for the Federal Governments “Personal Identity Verification” Program, or PIV for short.  And it is today, I came across a Press Release which provides a further update to it, and the Biometrics Vendor mentioned is known as “Precise Biometrics”. 

Here are the details:  “Precise Biometrics is the only biometric supplier that has passed the performance requirements with three different smart card vendor submissions - Gemalto, Giesecke & Devrient, and SPYRUS. All three submissions passed with nearly identical, outstanding results; while the submission with SPYRUS proved to be the fastest overall of any vendor in the test . . . New developments show that MINEX II will be a key in upcoming Federal ID programs. The U.S. government deploys Personal Identity Verification (PIV) which specifies the identification process of employees. NIST has issued proposed amendments to the Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201) that defines the PIV credential. The amendment states that Match-on-Card now is an approved authentication mechanism for the PIV smart cards. Also, a new Presidential Directive calls for all Federal agencies to immediately develop and issue an implementation policy for PIV. Through this policy, each agency will require operational use of the previously-issued PIV smart card credential as the common means of authentication for access to the agency’s facilities, networks, and information systems starting 2012.”  (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/8765/). 

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

My opinions are mixed on this one.  First, I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to the Biometrics Vendor for their performance on this evaluation, it seems like it was literally a break neck competition amongst three other Biometric Vendors, with another one eventually winning out.  But, keep in mind, this MINEX evaluation is only for use with regards to use in the Federal Government.  In other words, these tests and evaluations are only designed to support the Biometrics applications just for the specific needs of the Federal Government. 

In particular, based upon in the news in the Press Release, this evaluation is primarily designed for Smart Card usage by employees of the Federal Government, in an effort to help speed up the verification and identification processes of these individuals, when accessing physical and logical assets.  As I write this Posting, one thought predominates my mind. And that is, while the assets of the Federal Government are obviously very crucial to the United States, why can’t this same level of rigorous testing and evaluations be extended and offered to the private sector???  In other words, there are many other types and kinds of customers in the private sector who are probably considering implementing the use of Biometrics, so shouldn’t we be afforded the same level of assurances that what we are purchasing also meets a certain standard of confidence??? 

For the longest time, I have always advocated for the Biometrics Industry to create a central authority to monitor and maintain standards (in other words a “watchdog” group of sorts), and testing procedures to ensure that what the customer gets is the real thing.  I have been a proponent for the Biometrics Vendors to step up to the plate and create such an organization, but perhaps time is running out, and it is time probably for the Federal Government to impart its knowledge in this area. This is truly paradox: When we truly need our the assistance of our Federal Government, like in this case, the help is barely trickling through. But in other regards, it comes in as a gushing waterfall (especially when they do more harm than good in the long run).

Another Way To Reach Out To Your Customers

A Different Perspective

I realize at times I may write about the same thing over again, especially when it comes to the market applications of Biometrics.  I try not to repeat myself, as I try to bring fresh content, and put on my own perspective on the issues for that Posting of the day.  Well, today, I am sort of going to be repeating myself once again, and it is about a market application I have written about on ad naseum:  Time and Attendance.  True, the biggest benefits are the virtual elimination of buddy punching, and the greatly reduced administrative costs of handling timesheets and HR paperwork, as everything is 100% automated with a Biometric system in place. 

But today, I came across a news article which puts a different perspective on the benefits of a Biometric based Time and Attendance system, and here are the details of this:  “Chris Routledge, managing director of UK Time Solutions said: “This is particularly beneficial in a multi-tiered access situation where for example, security and senior management require access to all areas at all times, research staff need to access secure areas such as laboratories or work rooms and administration staff require access to general areas and their workplace. The time and attendance system can be easily configured to allow access for individuals only to their designated work areas . . . For high security applications and for ease of use, biometrics has much to recommend it. In addition to administrative functions, a biometric system can advise security personnel precisely who has accessed which rooms, areas or facilities; when, and for how long. The forensic advantages to having this data to hand in the event of an incident are obvious . . . In terms of health and safety, it is essential that security officers have fast and easy access to real time data. In the event of an accident or emergency the system will indicate precisely who is on site, and this data can be correlated with the head count at muster points.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=266091&arttitle=Time and attendance systems offer security officers both security and health and safety benefits). 

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

To summarize, here are the other benefits of a Biometric based Time and Attendance system, from the above quote:

*Employees and other workers only have access  to the work area in which they are allowed to have access to perform their daily job functions;

*It also provides a great means of keeping track of employees in the face of any Security threats, man made or natural (such as cyber threats crippling the entire organization/business, earthquakes, tornadoes, other natural disasters, etc).

Perhaps the Biometrics technical group of people, these benefits which are gained are probably as clear as day, there is nothing new about them.  But for the other part of the Biometrics Industry spectrum, which includes people like me who are the technical writers, these benefits come as new and fresh stuff, and thus, that is why I wrote about them. 

To me, it was important and unique enough to merit attention in a separate Posting.  With regards to the first bullet, some sort of “pass-back” system is used to ensure that the individual cannot leave their designated area without the use of some sort of token card (like a Smart Card), or fob, or something similar.  In way, this is sort of like a “mantrap”, in which once you are in, you can’t get out, without the proper exiting authorization.  Although I do question the Civil Liberties aspects of this context, from a technical standpoint, it can provide great forensic and audit trail information and data for the investigative authorities in the event of a major Security breach. 

With regards to the second point, a Time and Attendance system (which is of course Biometric based) allows for the HR personnel to keep an exact head count, or track of people in the case of a massive disaster.  Imagine this scenario.  Suppose there was huge natural disaster, like a tsunami or earthquake, totally devastating the physical presence of the business.  Wouldn’t the HR staff want to know exactly where all of the employees are, so families and close friends can be updated?  True, a manual process can take care of this, but in the face of such disasters, using an automated approach like Biometrics can shave this tracking down process into a matter of seconds, versus hours, which can mean the matter of life and death. 

So to the Biometrics Industry, and those Vendors out there who specifically deal with Time and Attendance applications, bring out these benefits more to your potential customers.  That could mean the deciding factor in purchasing a system or not.  This is a great marketing angle, because if a technical writer like me for the Biometrics Industry has never thought of these benefits, just think of the impact it will leave in the minds of the potential customer.

The Secret To Success: Balance

A Soapbox

Well, today I am going to do some complaining in this Posting.  As you have seen from what I have written through some 660+ daily blog Postings, I have talked the extensive of CCTV Cameras, and Biometrics coupled with them.  There are all over the place, not just here in the United States, but even all over the world.  I don’t know how extensive their use in other countries are, but I know for sure that the United Kingdom uses them extensively, and are quite successful in its use.  But, they be a huge pain in the a$$ just as well.  Case in point.  A long time ago, I went through a red traffic light at one of those so called red light enforced traffic lights in Lisle, IL.  I totally admit that I drove through it, and in fact, I was even expecting a ticket of sorts. 

And a week later, lo and behold it came.  A whopping $100 ticket.  But I paid without complaining, because I knew I was wrong.  So ever since then, I have been extremely cautious and coming to a complete stop.  But then, out of the blue, last week (and of all times, the day before I headed out on vacation), I get another ticket for the same offense, and at the same stupid intersection.  I know I did nothing wrong, but yet those CCTV Cameras at that traffic light intersection still “accuse” me again of making the same traffic violation.  I really feel like fighting it in court, but I know I will not win, and given how expensive the court costs are these days, my whole bill could come to well over $500.  So, I am just going to bite the bullet and pay the idiotic $100 fine, and get it over with. 

This example brings out a point which I am sure many people feel about CCTV Cameras, and this same feeling is even echoed across all over the world, even from top level executives, which is exemplified by a news article I just came across, of all places, yet once again in the UK. 

Here we go: “A recent report in the Telegraph raised concerns about the fact that unmanned spy drones and facial recognition cameras “could soon be the norm” in public places such as taxis. The newspaper said that concerns were raised in proposals for a code of practice to better regulate the spread of CCTV amid fears there will be “unchecked proliferation” without it . . . Stewart Hefferman, the CEO of OmniPerception, believes the biometric industry has a vital role to play in ensuring CCTV and facial recognition cameras are used in an unobtrusive way . . . “We should encourage the use of improved CCTV techniques, but only in a meaningful and respectful manner,” argued Mr Hefferman. “The obligation should be on us as an industry to ensure that this technology is used in a manner that isn't intrusive to the general public, but that helps increase the numbers of crimes solved through this technology.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=266061&arttitle=CCTV and facial recognition cameras should be used in an unobtrusive way). 

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Now, I am all for the use of CCTC Cameras and Facial Recognition and even other Biometrics used in public places.  And I will even side with local and state governments that the public should not have to be warned about where they are being placed, because in most public places, they are just about as clear as day.  When you go shopping next time at your nearby strip mall, just look up, and you will see them all over. 

I think the use of this enhanced Security technology is great, because it provides extra pairs of eyes, and it can be used as irrefutable proof when apprehending a suspect, and bringing them to justice in a court of law.  But what I don’t like is how they can be used so covertly and discreetly, that the technology can be used to point blame and guilt on innocent citizens, just like you and me.  And when you try to refute in a court of law, it is a no win situation, because all the judge has to say is “Well, the camera points to your license plate, so you are guilty”. 

True, there is the picture, but would  the judge be willing to see  the other extraneous variables in the environment to help show my innocence?  Most likely not.  That burden of proof will reside with me, and unfortunately, I don’t have the means to prove, but my good and honest word as a law abiding citizen.  So, this is where the balance comes into play.  Yea, all of this technology is great, but remember, that is all it is.  Just a bunch of machines, wiring, cameras, and Biometrics.  In my view, it just provides the absolute proof, not the relative proof, to make sure that the right people are being apprehended for any accused crime. 

This is where the human factor comes in.  There needs to be a system of checks and balances to be put into place which guarantees that a trained human will also look at these reels of film and thousands of pictures to ensure that proper justice is going to be administered.  If this system of checks and balances were to be actually put into place, there is a much greater probability that the public would be more accepting of the use of Biometrics, in general.

And that is what is so much needed here in the United States.  We live in a society in which we fear our Federal Government to the point where our move is watched in secret.  Is this what a democratic society is all about???  I don’t think so.  This goes back all to one of my key mantras about Security:  Technology is great, but it is even better when they are actual humans involved in the process.  This is the balance which is needed.

Protect Your Jewelry With Your Finger

A Slicker Way

To all of my subscribers out there, how do you protect your valuables???  Granted, this is a broad based question, but I am talking more from the perspective of like your personal belongings and other such items, and even your critical documents, such as your passport, bank statements, mortgage paperwork, insurance policies, etc.  I am thinking you probably have some sort of secure box or safe at your house, or you even store all these items at the safe deposit box at your local bank.  Obviously, storing at the bank is a very safe alternative.  But with regards to the former, just how safe is your lock box or jewelry box??? Is it just a simple lock and key approach??? 

If so, you may be in for a much better alternative: The Biometric Storage Box.  Here are the details into this, per the news wire I saw today: “Ankaka's Biometric storage box is perfect for jewelry, guns, documents, and other valuables. Using fingerprint technology you can now safely store your most important and valued items without worrying about keys or combination locks. Simply use your fingerprint to open the executive biometric security box . . . The Executive Biometric Security Box is built with a thick, high grade 16-gauge cold rolled steel and thick memory retentive foam interior. The biometric fingerprint safe also comes with a high-strength security cable that secures it to furnishings in your home, car, RV, office or motel, giving you double the protection. You can also store your portable GPS unit and stereo face plate in the biometric box and secure it under the seat of your car . . . The fingerprint system uses a single finger swipe as its locking mechanism. The safe can handle a maximum of nine fingerprint templates which can come from multiple fingers of a single user or from nine individual people. Additionally, it can utilize a key-lock on the unit which can be used as an additional or alternate security measure.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=266068&arttitle=Safely store your most important and valued items in a Biometric storage box). 

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

I need to mention that the Biometrics Vendor mentioned here is known as “Ankaka”.  Based from what I have read, this Biometrics Storage Box possesses a number of strategic advantages, including:

*The ease of use of storing the common household items which need maximum securing, which include jewelry, documents (like the ones described above), and even guns and ammunition (I would not call this a common household item, depending what part of the world one lives in);

*The casing of this Biometrics Storage Box appears to be very rugged, with a very high grade quality and level of steel, and it even comes with a secure cable so that you can take this new type of safe in your car, on the road, and even inside a hotel room (from what I understand, it can even fit underneath the seat of your car?!?!?!);

*The Biometric Technology of choice here is that of Fingerprint Recognition.  Using this, the Biometrics Storage Box can contain up to 9 different fingerprints from just one user, or a single fingerprint from nine different people, and it can be used in conjunction with the traditional lock and key approach to provide for a layered Security approach;

*Probably the best of all:  No need to remember different combination numbers.

So, what are my thoughts on this???  Well, actually I have written about this kind of storage device before.  But when I wrote about them, it was meant much more heavy, industrial usage.  And, the Biometrics safes (as they were called at the time) were rather huge and gargantuan in size.  But from what I have read, these safes are now coming down to the size where there are simple to use (from the Biometrics perspective), affordable, and best of all, extremely portable for the consumer and retail markets. 

Watch for the Biometrics Vendors to jump on this bandwagon, and offer a huge variety of Biometric Storage Boxes for all types of portable and miniature usage.  And, as the other Biometric Technologies are becoming smaller in size, watch for greater implementation of them in these storage boxes. In this regard, look out for heavy usage of Iris Recognition in lieu of Fingerprint Recognition.  Who knows, I hope these Biometric Storage Boxes come out heavily by Christmas time of this year, and especially a Biometric based jewelry box.  I have been wanting to get Anita something like this for a long time for her jewelry, and who knows, my dreams may yet come to true . . . .

A Unified Workforce Solution For Retail

A Nice Vacation

Well, after a long period of time, I finally took some vacation time (as if you couldn’t tell by the absence of my daily blog postings for about three days).  And best of all, I took this vacation with my incredible girlfriend Anita.  This was our first trip together, and we have more planned down the road.  We took two days off work, and made it into a long weekend.  Our trip was to Louisville, KY.  We visited my aunt and uncle, and I also met her relatives who live in Lexington, KY.  We spent the bulk of the time with my relatives. 

My aunt has got to be one of the greatest chefs of Indian food out there, and so we basically pigged out on tons of delicious Indian food.  But of course, our time was not just spent eating, but also seeing other parts of downtown as well.  Probably the best time we had was when we had a very romantic dinner at a high class restaurant known as “Captain’s Quarters”.  As we ate, we also saw the sun set, and even took a tour of a cruise boat that same night.  Truly, a magnificent time.  Another interesting experience we had was when we went shopping for Indian food at an Indian grocery store.  Now, there was nothing new at this place.  It was just as chaotic as the other Indian grocery stores here in Devon Avenue at Chi-town (keeping up with true Indian tradition). 

But for some reason or another, this time it really had caught my attention as to how things could be improved, at least from an operations standpoint.  And of course, Biometrics came to my mind, and with that in mind, I came across a Press Release which could help provide a solution.  The Biometrics Vendor mentioned is known as “NOVAtime Technology”, and the answer they provided was for a grocery store (thus, illustrating the perfect solution) known as “Musser’s Markets”. 

Here is the inside scoop:  “Musser’s Markets has used NOVAtime’s workforce management solution since June . NE Time Systems implemented NOVAtime’s Enterprise solution to support Musser’s Markets’ timekeeping and payroll process. Musser’s Markets’ Treasurer, Mr. Greg Musser, said, “Using NOVAtime’s workforce management system makes access to end-to-end historical attendance and employee timecards really easy, with just a few clicks of a mouse! Now we don’t have any more concerns regarding timecard storage and paper trail archiving – it is all automated with NOVAtime” . . . Employees at Musser’s Markets punch in and out through biometric hand readers, making it easy to use while eliminating employees punching for each other, otherwise known as “buddy punching.” Employees have access to a self-service portal, Employee Web Services (EWS), to view their work schedules and historical timesheets, anytime, anywhere. NOVAtime’s system reduces unnecessary paperwork and supports a “Go Green” initiative to support an eco-friendly workplace to help foster environmental responsibility . . . In the retail industry, employee scheduling can become complex and difficult to manage.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/8748/). 

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

OK, so you may very well be wondering at this point what makes this so special and different than from anything else I have written about???  Well, truthfully, there is really hardly anything different.  I have written dozens of postings about Time and Attendance applications, in which Hand Geometry Recognition was used, and the obvious advantages and benefits. 

So, no need to rehash all of that again.  But what did catch my eye in the Press Release was when the words “workforce management” was management.  You really do not see that terminology associated with a Biometrics solution.  So, with this attention, a sort of “Eureka!!!” moment came to me.  And that is, why can’t there be a Biometrics solution which encompasses all facets of the workforce management in a retail setting???

Rather than just have isolated applications for Time and Attendance and Single Sign On Solutions (which would be primarily used at the Point of Sale terminals), why not combine them all into one so called “super workforce management solution”, which would also encompass the other aspects of retail management including operations management (I know Voice Recognition is in this regard), staff scheduling, inventory management, etc.???  If there is something already available on the marketplace, I am not aware of it, but it would be a great market penetration for the Biometrics Industry. 

And speaking of this same subject, another thought crossed my mind.  I have seen the Biometrics Industry market their solutions and products to the high end retailers, but why not the mom and pop stores as well??? I guarantee that Devon Avenue here in Chicago will prove to be a very lucrative market, given all of the international shops and restaurants there (and of course, this will mean greater acceptance of Biometrics).  Food for thought, literally, of course.