Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Atmel and Phoenix Technologies create next-generation security solutions for PCs

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Atmel’s FingerChip biometric security solutions will be integrated into Phoenix’s FailSafe and SecureCore Pre-boot Authentication products. Phoenix FailSafe will enable secure, remote tracking of fingerprint sensor data in the event of laptop theft or loss.

SecureCore PBA integrated with Atmel’s FingerChip Biometric Solutions provides for Biometric User Authentication at the preboot level. Phoenix SecureCore PBA enables user authentication from core systems software (also known as BIOS or firmware) to the operating system directly, to achieve single sign-on into the Windows O/S environment. Both Atmel and Phoenix are California-based companies. [end] 

Atmel Corp. announced availability of an AVR microcontroller (MSU) with an RFID reader block and 16kBytes of in-system self-programmable flash.

The Atmel ATA5505 is one of the industry’s first MCU that features full low-frequency (LF) RFID reader functionality within a single package, unlike others where the MCU and RFID reader are located in two different packages. This translates into customers being able to develop and manufacture small, low-cost reference PCBs for various reader types.

read more »

MasterCard introduced a road map focused on advancing the U.S. electronic payments system. The map, which includes the path for migration from magnetic stripe to EMV technology available on chip cards, will serve as the foundation for the next generation of products and services.

read more »

Atmel Corp. extended its RFID family with the launch of a low-frequency (LF) one-time programmable (OTP) transponder IC optimized for animal identification systems for pets, wildlife or livestock.

read more »

A new Morpho company under the Safran group has been launched called MorphoTrust USA.

The new company, which was formed after the acquisition of three divisions and the headquarters of former biometrics developer L-1 Identity Solutions, will serve as an identity solutions provider dedicated to the U.S. market only.

read more »

ImageWare Systems announced that the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), an agency that oversees Los Angeles International (LAX) airport, LA/Ontario International airport and Van Nuys airport, has placed an order for a number of biometric identity management and credentialing solutions.

read more »

The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced a competition to award a approximately $10 million for pilot projects to accelerate progress toward improved systems for interoperable, trusted online credentials that go beyond simple user IDs and passwords.

read more »