Virdi wins fingerprint verification competition

May 2011 News & Events, Access Control & Identity Management

The Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC) is an independent competition aimed at determining the efficiency of verification algorithms in biometric access control systems.

Since its inception in 2000 the FVC establishes a common benchmark, allowing companies and academic institutions to unambiguously compare performance and track improvements in their fingerprint recognition algorithms (verification algorithms). The competition, held every two years, is a joint venture between the Biometric System Laboratory (University of Bologna), Pattern Recognition and Image Processing Laboratory (Michigan State University), Biometric Test Centre (San Jose University) and the Biometric Recognition Group – ATVS (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid).

Virdi Biometric Technology, manufactured by Union Community and distributed in Southern Africa by Virdi Distribution SA, achieved the top score.

The two major factors considered during the Biometric Technology evaluation process are;

1 - False acceptance rate (FAR), and

2 - False rejection rate (FRR).

The equal error rate (EER) is a combination of these two factors and is a deciding factor along with construction of the actual biometric access control unit. The verification algorithms are also tested against an ISO standard fingerprint template (ISO/IEC 19794-2(2005)) and the algorithm with the lowest EER emerges as the winner.

Virdi emerged with an EER rate of 0,405% with the nearest competitor able to achieve an EER of only 0,598% on the FMISO-STD-1.0 benchmark.

Virdi uses a patented three step fingerprint verification process to achieve maximum security:

* Detection of electrostatic capacitance of the user.

* Infra-red scan and analysis of the user’s finger.

* A patented algorithm.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Navigating a modern, layered security landscape
News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Smart Home Automation
The convergence of perimeter control and access automation is driving demand for solutions that work together. This is the focus of HomeSec Expo 2026, which takes place on 4th and 5th March 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Read more...
Phishing and social engineering are the most significant risks
News & Events Information Security
ESET Research found that phishing accounted for 45,7% of all detected cyberthreats in South Africa, with higher-quality deepfakes, signs of AI-generated phishing websites, and short-lived advertising campaigns designed to evade detection.

Read more...
Cyber remains top business risk, but AI fastest riser at #2
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
The Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 ranks cybersecurity, especially ransomware attacks, as the #1 risk, while AI is the biggest riser and jumps from #10 to #2, highlighting the emerging risks for companies in almost all industry sectors.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: It’s all about data
Technews Publishing News & Events
      Welcome to the SMART Access and Identity Handbook 2026. We have slightly changed the handbook this year, specifically the selection guides, but there is still a lot of industry information inside, and ...

Read more...
Access trends for 2026
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions RR Electronic Security Solutions Enkulu Technologies IDEMIA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
The access control and identity management industry has been the cornerstone of organisations of all sizes for decades. SMART Security Solutions asked local integrators and distributors about the primary trends in the access and identity market for 2026.

Read more...
Access data for business efficiency
Continuum Identity Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics Facilities & Building Management
In all organisations, access systems are paramount to securing people, data, places, goods, and resources. Today, hybrid systems deliver significant added value to users at a much lower cost.

Read more...
Beyond the fence
Technews Publishing Fang Fences & Guards SMART Security Solutions Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Access Control & Identity Management
In a threat landscape characterised by sophisticated syndicates, harsh environmental conditions, and unstable power grids, a static barrier is no longer a defence; it is merely a brief delay.

Read more...
Zero Trust access control
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions CASA Software NEC XON Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Zero Trust Architecture enforces the rule of ‘never trust, always verify’. It changes an organisation’s security posture by assuming that threats exist both inside and outside the perimeter, and it applies to information and physical security.

Read more...
Reshaping South Africa’s built environment
Securex South Africa Facilities & Building Management News & Events Commercial (Industry)
FM teams are responsible for the overall operational environment of a building, while security teams focus on protection, control, and incident response. Increasingly, both rely on the same data streams, infrastructure, and digital tools.

Read more...
Banking’s AI reckoning
Financial (Industry) News & Events AI & Data Analytics
From agentic commerce disputes to quantum-powered risk modelling, SAS experts offer a ‘banker’s dozen,’ 13 industry-defining predictions that will separate institutions that master intelligent banking from those still struggling with the basics.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.