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

Travelers get virtual desktop on biometric secured USB device

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

In an effort to assist those who frequently travel and need access to their own computer, RingCube, a developer of virtual workspaces, has teamed up with MXI Security, a developer of portable security solutions, to create a device that contains one’s own computer workspace on a small USB device. The device, called MojoPac Enterprise comes as either a flash drive or a hard drive.


A user is able to plug their device into any PC and instantly have access to all of their personal applications, files, settings, and general desktop environment that they have on their current computer whether or not the computer is online. Further promoting a user’s comfort using the device, though, are the security features.

The MojoPac is secured via AES 256-bit hardware encryption to prevent any data theft as well as biometric access via a fingerprint scanner located on the device. Additionally, a user may setup specific security parameters that the device will determine whether or not each computer meets before the virtual workspace is deployed. [end] 

CloudPassage has launched Halo NetSec, a firewall, two-factor authentication product that enables access to virtual servers in the public cloud.

As reported by TechWorld, Halo NetSec covers security needs for services from infrastructure providers, such as Amazon Web Services or Rackspace. Administrators can set up defense parameters without having access to an actual network.

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wants to see a biometric scanning device that has Web-enabled communication and control that’s built on a publicly-available specification, reports Bank Info Security. To that end, it’s looking for proposals for such a device.

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Information delivery company Colt has licensed Cryptocard’s BlackShield authentication-as-a-service platform to enhance its virtual desktop infrastructure with secure remote access for up to 5,000 employees.

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Biometrics enable expedited border screening

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Global Entry program is expanding enabling enrolled U.S. citizens to enjoy expedited screening when returning from travel abroad to a number of domestic airports. The program also makes them eligible to participate in similar programs at foreign airports.

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Precise Biometrics has developed a new line of “smart cases” for brands of tablets and smart phones to be released in 2012 and 2013. The new smart cases have built-in card reader and fingerprint sensor enabling users to both secure their devices as well as replace various password-based security for protected online sites and applications.

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) travelers prefer making payments via mobile rather than using cash or credit card, according to a recent survey commissioned by travel technology and transaction processor Amadeus.

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