News and insight into biometric identification and authentication

HSBC installs facial biometrics to combat identity theft

Friday, October 31, 2008

HSBC Bank has installed facial biometrics in their two new data centers in the UK following cases of identity theft, according to a The Engineer article. The bank will be using technology from OmniPerception to implement the facial recognition access control systems to help secure sensitive data. OmniPerception’s technology and services have previously been used by law enforcement agencies in the UK.

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Luxand announced release of a free, downloadable version of its Blink! facial recognition software. The software provides as a biometric-based login service Windows 7 and Windows Vista operating systems via a user’s regular webcam. In addition to authenticating the individual accessing the computer, Blink! also takes and records a still image of each person trying to access the computer to help prevent unauthorized access, and touts the ability to correctly recognize stored faces despite poor lighting conditions or basic changes in a user’s look such as glasses or hair cuts.  

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Safran SA, a Paris-based developer of defense-related electronics, is in talks to buy the majority of biometrics developer L-1 Identity Solutions, according to a Bloomberg article. Safran is one of multiple bidders to purchase the company, who has seen big jumps in its stock price recently.

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The Security Industry Association (SIA), a member-based group that advocates on behalf of the security industry in the U.S., has publicly opposed a Bill in Alaska that restricts biometric technology in the state, according to a Security Info Watch article.

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As part of the university’s Student Affairs Risk Assessment efforts, Ohio State University is using RFID technology to combat bike theft.

Coined “Bug Your Bike,” the program gives students the option to obtain a free RFID tag which can be placed on their bikes to prevent theft. Police can then use this technology to positively identify stolen bicycles and to return the property to their rightful owners.  

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Animetrics has announced the release of a new facial recognition authentication service available on certain mobile phones.

The service, called FaceR CredentialME, is available on devices using the Android, Windows Mobile and RIM operating systems on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks and was launched in conjunction with Troy Security Solutions, a mobile products and solutions provider.

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U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan are depending on various biometric devices and the enrollment of Afghani citizens into their databases to better tell civilians from militants and other criminals in the area, according to a CJTF-101 article.

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