Biometrics provide a secure, trusted credential for authenticating an individual’s identity using one-to-one verification. With the biometric template stored on a smart card, comparison can be performed locally without the need for connection to a database of biometric identifiers.
IDEX Biometrics ASA and TrustSEC, a leading European provider of digital authentication solutions, have collaborated to deliver a new solution targeting access control and crypto wallets. The combined solution combines the TrustSEC smart card module with IDEX Biometrics’ TrustedBio fingerprint sensor solution, powered by Infineon Technologies’ SLC38 security microcontroller.
Biometrics
Biometrics can be used in a wide range of applications, including access control, identity management and authentication. They provide fast and accurate identification that cannot be forged or stolen.
While the benefits of using biometrics are significant, they come with a number of privacy risks. This is because of the fact that physical attributes like fingerprints and retinal blood vessel patterns are static, meaning they can’t be changed or added to a database.
In addition, biometrics are prone to presentation attacks, which can be used to try and evade the system’s operation. These can include impersonation and obfuscation attacks.
Access Control
Biometric smart cards are a powerful way to secure access control for facilities. They allow security administrators to manage both physical and logical access for business, education and government facilities.
For example, they are able to keep a history log of who has entered a facility. This can help prevent employees and visitors from sharing information or gaining unauthorized access to a facility.
When a biometric is presented to a reader, the system matches it with a database of characteristic biometric reference data. This process is called enrolment.
In addition to enhancing security, biometrics also simplify the access control experience. With a biometric smart card solution, fingerprint data is captured and stored right on the smart card, eliminating the need for additional readers.
Time Attendance
A biometric time attendance system utilises unique biological identifiers, such as fingerprints, to authenticate the user’s identity when they clock in and out. This helps avoid buddy punching and ensures that employees are not clocking in for their colleagues, which can cause problems with HR and Health & Safety.
Some systems also incorporate a Fireboard feature to display all of the users who have clocked in for the day, so managers can quickly see who is in and out of the building and can then drill down further if they need to.
The cost of a time and attendance system depends on the software, hardware and installation costs. Cloud-based systems typically have lower recurring monthly costs, while on-premises systems usually have larger one-time fees.
Biometric time and attendance systems are an excellent way to help manage your workforce. They can help you comply with labor laws and document all tardy occurrences, so you can terminate employees who habitually miss work or don’t adhere to your attendance policy.
Payment
As consumers demand a more secure and convenient way to make payments, biometric payment cards are rapidly becoming the preferred method. These contactless cards allow users to authenticate a transaction instantly, regardless of the amount.
Card issuers are leveraging this technology to offer a more inclusive service, addressing financial inclusion issues that can stem from a lack of literacy or a misunderstanding about security limits. The Smart Payment Association (SPA) has estimated that biometric cards could be mainstream as early as 2022.
During enrollment, cardholders simply insert the new biometric card into a self-enrollment sleeve and follow a simple walkthrough process to securely install the fingerprint reference data in the card’s secure chip. This data is then used for all transactions on the card.