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A just cause: the logical route to securing a safer South Africa

The development of logical access control is further extending the applications of biometric security.

It is becoming increasingly common to safeguard sensitive information by integrating fingerprint readers into IT systems. Not only does this eliminate the costs of administering password protections, but the integrity of the system is also secured. It is possible to prevent unauthorised access to a computer network by securing access with something as unique as one's fingerprint. The application of biometric technology is lending itself to a more secure logical environment, where fraud can be avoided through the use of fingerprint authentication.

Integrated identity within the Justice Department

The Ideco Group is involved in one of the most significant security advances in South Africa's criminal justice system: the application of Sagem fingerprint technology to secure the information systems of government departments. Sagem's solutions are used in the national integrated justice system (IJS), a mechanism in government that brings together the Department of Safety and Security, Department of Justice, Correctional Services and Social Development. Each of these departments has a function dedicated to the integrated justice system.

The IJS was established to ensure that ministries and departments co-ordinate their processes so that information flows seamlessly between governmental departments involved in justice. From the moment that the South African Police Service (SAPS) makes an arrest until the convicted offender is placed in prison, a process of information sharing is followed between departments. Traditionally, high rates of fraudulent data entry and changes meant that the IJS needed a system of logical access control that would timeously aid in the detection of information fraud. Vhonani Mufamadi, MD of the Ideco Group, explains: "The typical process of convicting a criminal offender involves the integration of various government departments so it becomes critical to ensure that the process runs smoothly and that the information being shared between departments has not been tampered with."

In a typical example, the SAPS arrests a suspect, after which investigations are undertaken and charges laid. The matter is then handed over to the Department of Justice, which prosecutes the suspect and procures a verdict. If guilty, the offender is handed over to Correctional Services and imprisoned. If a juvenile is convicted, the Department of Social Development ensures that the right facilities and care are provided. As Mufamadi stresses: "With so many inter-related departments involved in each case, it is evident that the ability to manage information is critical to ensure that justice is served."

The role of biometrics in the IJS is through the SAPS function. Sagem's systems have played a key role in securing logical access control to information shared between departments. The Ideco Group has supplied over 1000 Sagem fingerprint readers with fake finger detection (FFD) functionality to the SAPS for logical access control. These ultra-secure fingerprint readers are used specifically in forensic laboratories; the logistics departments; the firearm licensing department and the stolen vehicle department. Exclusive to Sagem, FFD technology prevents the use of fake fingers to gain access in such sophisticated environments as the laboratories where forensic samples are handled.

Logical audit trails

The entire process of controlling access to all data-sensitive systems throughout the IJS was motivated by a need for more stringent quality control. The technology is used to manage operators' access to systems across all the departments, eliminating fraud that results from data corruption and mis-representation.

Through the system's tracking capabilities, a far more reliable mechanism for audits in the IJS system is assured. It can track who accessed information, what changes were made and when. In the forensic laboratories, for example, the logical access system is able to track which samples were handled and which operators were involved.

The future of logical biometric usage in South Africa's justice system is also looking to grow through Sagem's Live Scans that are to be introduced in over 100 police stations and criminal record centres throughout the country. Live Scan fingerprint stations digitally capture fingerprints of suspects, their portraits and their demographic data such as age, gender and offences committed. The Live Scan stations will be linked to the online police automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) where the suspect's demographic details and criminal status can be verified.

Through this technology, the Live Scan is able to verify a previous criminal record within 48 hours. Live Scan replaces the traditional manual fingerprint capture where fingerprints were captured on paper and sent to a central location for manual verification - a process that usually took several weeks.

The acceptance of such developments in logical biometric usage is proving to be very positive. According to Mufamadi: "Since AFIS was commissioned in 2001, and with its large role in the police environment, Sagem fingerprint technology has become a powerful tool in the fight against crime. We see a very positive future for fingerprint technology in securing all logical transactions in South Africa's justice system."

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