"Smart Cards and Biometrics in Privacy-Sensitive Secure Personal Identification Systems" outlines how smart cards and biometrics enhance security, privacy, performance and return on investment in secure identification (ID) systems. The report is written for executive level technology and security managers. Copies of the white paper are available at www.smartcardalliance.org.

A new national focus on domestic security has heightened interest in technologies that improve confidence in verifying the identity of individuals. Earlier this month, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would include a biometric feature on an encrypted smart chip embedded in driver's licenses. Federal, state and local officials have proposed other initiatives such as requiring biometrics in immigration documents and issuing secure smart card credentials to transportation workers.

"Applications requiring the highest confidence in the confirmation of an individual's identity are increasingly coupling smart cards and biometrics," said Paul Beverly, Chairman of the Smart Card Alliance and VP of SchlumbergerSema. "This white paper describes how the two technologies add up to one very secure solution for ID systems."

A collaboration of industry leaders participating in the Smart Card Alliance Secure Personal ID Task Force, the white paper covers three topic areas: the general definition of a secure identification system, the function of biometrics in ID systems, and the advantages of coupling biometrics with smart card technology.

"We're living in a changed world," said Randy Vanderhoof, acting President and CEO of the Smart Card Alliance. "There is increased awareness and concern about the critical gaps in security for many applications. Smart cards and biometrics are already helping governments and other enterprises solve complex security challenges."

"The utilization of biometrics with smart cards to ensure that the cardholder is the legitimate owner of the card is a good approach to personal verification when smart cards are required. This white paper does a good job of describing how these complementary technologies can be integrated together." said Fernando Podio from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Biometric Consortium Co-Chair.

The synergy between smart cards and biometrics will be featured in two upcoming Smart Card Alliance events. White paper contributors will be on hand to discuss this topic during the Smart Card Alliance's web seminar scheduled for 2:00PM EDT on Thursday, May 23. The Smart Card Alliance educational event, "Smart Cards in Government - A Symposium on Secure Identification Initiatives," will also provide a comprehensive view of how smart cards are used in secure identification systems. This symposium will be held on June 4-5, at the Hilton Washington & Towers, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

More than 20 organizations, both public and private, were involved with the development of the task force's white paper. Lead contributors to the white paper were: Jeff Katz, Atmel; Gilles Lisimaque, Gemplus; Colleen Kulhanek, Datakey; Mark McGovern, EDS; John McKeon, IBM; Cathy Medich, Task Force Co-Chair; Gilles Pauzié, Gemplus; Joe Pilozzi, Philips Semiconductors; and Martin Squibbs, Atmel.

Active members of the Secure Personal ID Task Force include: ACI Worldwide, ADB, Atmel, Bank of America, Caradas, Cubic Transportation Systems, CrossCom National, Datacard Group, Datakey, EDS, Foley Hoag, Gemplus, IBM, Infineon Technologies, LaserCard Systems, MasterCard International, Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Oberthur Card Systems, Philips Semiconductors, SchlumbergerSema, and SCM Microsystems.

About the Smart Card Alliance
The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association of member firms working to accelerate the widespread acceptance of multiple applications for smart card technology. Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations, and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visitwww.smartcardalliance.org.