Collis launches e-Passport testing tools to check compliance with ICAO standards
03 May, 2006
category: Biometrics, Government
Netherlands-based Collis, specializing in e-business strategies, introduced at CardTech/SecurTech a set of e-passport testing tools to determine if the passports meet ICAO standards. One tool can test a passport chip’s functionality while another can validate the personalization of the chips.
Leiden (NL)- Collis announces the launch of e-Passport testing tools to check compliance of e-Passports with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. e-Passports ensure a higher level of security by using chip technology. Collis’ e-Passport Chip Functional Testing Tool (FTT) is a state-of-the-art testing tool providing an environment for testing the proper functioning of an e-Passport chip application. Collis’ e-Passport Chip Personalization Validation Tool (PVT) is an easy to use test environment to validate the Personalization of all types of e-Passport chips. In the initial stages of e-Passport projects, the e-Passport chip testing tools save time in application and Personalization development.
e-Passport: chip technology
Governments world-wide have taken the decision to implement e-Passports to make passports more secure. In order to achieve this, a secure chip is being placed in every e-Passport issued globally. The chips contain personalized information: e.g. name, date of birth, etc. as well as biometric information. The protocols to standardize these electronic chips Passports have been set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). ISO WG3TF4 has drafted test specifications for the e-Passport chip.
Testing is crucial
The challenge is that citizens receive a correctly working e-Passport. The key issues are security, functionality and interoperability. In order to resolve these issues, testing is crucial. The operational and financial implications of non-working e-Passports are wide-spread. Early testing of e-Passports prior to issuing therefore, saves money and resources. It also reduces the time-to-market and gives issuing authorities greater control over the production process. Collis’ e-Passport Chip Testing Tools have been developed using the test specifications. Collis e-Passport Chip Testing Tools check whether the electronic chips in e-Passports comply with ICAO standards.
e-Passport Chip Functional Testing Tool
The e-Passport Chip Functional Testing Tool (FTT) is a state-of-the-art testing tool providing an environment for testing the proper functioning of an e-Passport chip application (Level 6). The FTT also includes a complete set of command tests for the functional evaluation of e-Passport chips. Additionally, it includes an implementation of interoperability and security issues, such as mutual authentication and access control tests. The FTT has been developed according to ICAO/ISO specifications drafted for ISO WG3TF4 (e-Passport testing). Through its combination of high level scripting and powerful diagnostics, the e-Passport Chip FTT is able to check whether e-Passport chips are compliant with ICAO specifications.
e-Passport Chip Personalization Validation Tool
The e-Passport Chip Personalization Validation Tool (PVT) is an easy to use test environment to validate the Personalization of all types of e-Passport chips. During the e-Passport Personalization process, samples can be taken for Quality Assurance to validate that e-Passport chips are personalized correctly, using the PVT. The entire data in the e-Passport chip is put through several test cases and in-depth reports are produced. The e-Passport Chip PVT includes an explorer module, which generates a detailed report of all the e-Passport chip contents. With this tool, bits and bytes are translated into English so that the complex contents of an e-Passport are much easier to understand. Through early identification of quality issues, issuing authorities ensure the issuance of correctly personalized e-Passports.
Collis Conclusion Test Platform
The Conclusion Test Platform is a professional tool by Collis for automated test execution. The e-Passport Chip Functional Testing Tool and the e-Passport Chip Personalization Validation Tool run on top of the Conclusion Test Platform. It is the ultimate tool to test and simulate protocols and interfaces.
About Collis
Collis is the industry leader in cutting edge, information and communication technology based products and services. Established in 1997, with its headquarters in Leiden, Netherlands, Collis employs over 60 highly skilled and experienced professionals. Collis consultants are based world wide from Amsterdam to London, Cairo to Taipei, and Johannesburg to Sydney.
Offering innovative, customized solutions, Collis specializes in e-business strategies, EMV solutions, e-identification technology and software testing tools. Utilizing the expertise of its highly experienced staff, Collis is continually evolving with the latest technology. Thereby, offering its customers the best available solutions to their business. Collis enjoys official recognition of credit card industry leaders, and is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
