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Gemplus implements Verdicom's fingerprint matching algorithm on a smartcard

Gemplus, the world leader in smartcard-based solutions and technologies recently announced that it had implemented Match-On-Card Technology, the new powerful fingerprint matching algorithm from Veridicom, on a low-end, 8 bit processor of a standard smartcard from Gemplus. This achievement allows to drastically enhance the security and the performance offered by a solution combining smartcards and fingerprint biometry since user's fingerprint template data never leaves the smartcard.

Fingerprint matching operations are entirely conducted on the smartcard itself in less than a second, unlike previous fingerprint authentication methods that required transfer of template information to a personal computer or workstation for matching leaving a potential security gap. Should the smartcard be stolen or lost, only a fingerprint match between the authorised user and the stored template unlocks the card preventing a lost card from being exploited by unauthorised users.

'Combo card' highly secure

This combination of 'what I have' (smartcard) and 'who I am' (fingerprint) is today recognised as one of the best solutions to secure Internet access and conduct electronic commerce transactions.

"This important partnership between Gemplus and Veridicom will produce the smart card of the future that eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with PIN numbers and any transfer of fingerprint templates," said Michael D'Amour, Veridicom President and CEO. "By bringing Veridicom's breakthrough fingerprint authentication technology together with the latest smartcard advances, this alliance will offer customers all the benefits of convenient smartcards that cannot be hacked."

"Gemplus is very enthusiastic to endorse Veridicom's technology at different levels, says Alexandre Lorenzi, Gemplus Corporate Hardware Director; the Veridicom sensor is indeed already implemented in both Gemplus contactless and contact readers ranges, respectively in partnership with BII and Precise Biometrics AB. Today, Gemplus is interested to embed a unique implementation of the Veridicom biometrics firmware within smart cards, to reach an ultimate security level in the whole biometrics process."

For details contact Severine Percetti of Gemplus on tel: (0933) 4236 6767 or e-mail: severine.percetti@gemplus.com

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