Bioscrypt finger scan reader selected for biometric trials at Marine base
12 July, 2004
category: Biometrics, Contactless, Corporate, Government
At its facility in Quantico, Virginia, the U.S. Marine Corps is conducting a biometric test that could be a precursor to the use of biometrics on the Department of Defense’s Common Access Card. Bioscrypt’s V-Smart iClass access control reader will be used to tighten access in high-secure areas and to examine the benefits of implementing biometric contactless technologies in the CAC.
TORONTO, July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Bioscrypt Inc. (TSX: BYT – News), a leading provider of identity verification technology, today announced that The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, (SPAWAR) will use Bioscrypt’s V-Smart iClass biometric access control reader to enhance the security of sensitive information and high-security areas, and to analyze the benefits of implementing biometric contactless technologies for future generations of the Common Access Card (CAC) at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA.
Over the last decade at United States Marine Corps sites, magnetic stripe electronic access badges and PIN numbers have been used to replace older physical controls and personal recognition devices. This conversion will improve efficiencies and provide an additional layer of security in high security areas.
Larry Barfield, SPAWAR Project Engineer stated, “The objective of this and other biometric pilot projects conducted by SPAWAR is to analyze the benefits of introducing biometric contactless technologies for legacy access control systems to determine suitability as an access control option for future generations of the Common Access Card (CAC). The results from our studies indicate that by introducing biometric technology, the overall security posture is improved and throughput is actually increased when compared against magnetic stripe/PIN methods.”
“It is critical that Marine Corps Base Quantico maintain the highest level of security possible,” stated Colonel J.M. Lowe, Base Commander, Marine Corps Base, Quantico. “Through the use of biometrics, significantly more stringent access control is established, helping to ensure that only the individuals with proper clearance are able to enter restricted areas.”
Biometric technology introduces the element of who the person is, instead of what the person possesses, such as an identifying card or what the person knows, such as a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The use of PIN’s has numerous security flaws as they are often lost, forgotten, stolen or shared. The result of the pilot biometric project at Marine Corps Base Quantico indicates that the preferred access control technology is biometrics.
This project will provide data on the contactless biometric equipment employed to enhance security in operational settings and, after an evaluation period, will allow decision-makers to determine the appropriate operational implementation with existing access control infrastructures.
“The deployment of our technology at Quantico is further evidence that the American government is taking steps to improve security and illustrates our ability to deliver world leading technology in the most demanding situations,” said Pierre Donaldson, President and CEO, Bioscrypt. “As further steps are taken and government projects defined, we believe our proven technology will continue to be selected.”
About Marine Corps Base, Quantico
Since its inception in 1917, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, has been the “frontline of innovation.” Marine concepts, doctrine, training, and equipment of the future are initiated aboard the Base. The techniques of amphibious warfare, for which the Corps is renowned, were conceived and perfected here. The tactics of close-air support and vertical envelopment using helicopters were also developed within its borders. It is well known within the Corps that, “All Roads Lead to Quantico” in the USMC. As attention is focused on future battlefields, the Marine Corps and other branches of Service are looking to Quantico to lead the way with technological advances as well as creative and innovative thinking.
About Bioscrypt Inc.
Bioscrypt Inc. is a leading provider of identity verification technology with over 75,000 fingerprint readers currently installed. The Company’s solutions combine the convenience of touch with the high security of fingerprint-based biometrics for simple and secure access to facilities, equipment and information. Using the “bioscrypt on board(TM)” brand, the Company offers packaged products, OEM components and software licensing to leading security solution manufacturers and integrators worldwide for physical, wireless and network security applications. Among the many leading edge companies and partners using Bioscrypt technology are the U.S. Army, NASA, American Express, the New York Police Department, Kronos, NATO, Continental Airlines, Intel, Atmel, HID Corporation, Honeywell and Northern Computers. Bioscrypt’s patented technology is interoperable with leading fingerprint sensors and is both platform and operating system independent. Bioscrypt is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BYT. For more information, visit the Bioscrypt Web site at www.bioscrypt.com.
Bioscrypt Inc., Bioscrypt and V-Smart, are trademarks of Bioscrypt Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks referenced herein are properties of their respective owners.
