Biometrics tools for home and office
By Fauziah Muhtar
8th April 2002 (Computimes)

THE acceptance of biometrics solutions is growing. If before companies are hesitant because of the high costs, now more and more of them are turning to such solutions that come with better technology and competitive prices.

One of the latest biometrics identification systems in the market is Virdi. Developed by Union Community Co Ltd of South Korea, Virdi consists of a range of biometrics solutions and is distributed locally by CTI Resources Sdn Bhd.

CTI Resources' manager for the biometrics department Luke Low said the global market has recognised Korean technology to be better, if not at par with its Western counterparts. One advantage of the Korean solutions is that they are priced lower and more suitable for the local market.

Low claimed the Virdi solution is currently the most popular biometrics security solution in Korea and has been installed in most major companies.

One of the Virdi models introduced is the Virdi 100NR, which the company claims is the world's first transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) built-in biometrics system.

The TCP/IP capability makes long-distance inquiry possible in a client-server environment. It can be applied to the entrance controlling system of network and standalone simultaneously.

Real-time control. As it is based on the standard Internet protocol, the encryption module is adopted within the system for the purpose of secure transaction.

By having network connection, the verification system is able to offer real-time control over respective gate, user and area that it is installed in.

Without the network, the unit will act as a standalone and can store 720 templates.

For bigger capacity, companies can purchase more memory up to four megabytes (MB) for storing 4,000 templates. However, in case of a power failure, the system will run using its back-up battery.

The fingerprint-recognising technique is also considered unique because it extracts the distinctive character of each fingerprint, thus recognising its image even in low resolution. Furthermore, the authorisation method applied is through matching user ID with users' fingerprints.

"To provide secure verification, this system uses both password number and fingerprint," Low said.

Monitoring. The Virdi range of biometrics solutions is designed to give companies better control of security level of each user through management terminal, providing real-time monitoring on a user's in and out. Hence, this enables companies to manage their employees' time attendance and overtime work.

This verification system has 0.01 per cent of Force Rejection Rate and Force Acceptance Rate. This means an error of either rejecting an authorised users or accepting unauthorised users which happens once in every 1,000 access in a day is very low or in other words, almost impossible to achieve.

"The Virdi biometrics verification systems are able to reject a dead finger because it detects the electric static emitted by the body part," Low said.

The Virdi 100NR is targeted at insurance, hotel, factories and corporate office. The wall-mounted unit of the Virdi 100NR is available in two colours - gold and silver.

Another biometrics verification solution offered is the FingerLock II for low-access areas like a house and a general manager's office. This solution is from another Korean company known as T.S. Biometrics Inc.

Similar to the Virdi 100NR, this FingerLock II lets users use their fingerprints as the key. It is not mounted on the wall but looks exactly like the standard door lock. The fingerprint sensor protrudes when the number button is pressed and automatically returns to its place after use.

There are buttons available to register and delete users. This can be done only by authorised managers. It can stored 50 fingerprints and there is also a security alarm incorporated that is activated when the key cover is opened by an intruder. It is powered either by five AA batteries that last for about nine months or the standard rechargeable batteries that lasts for three months per charge. Moreover, the fingerprint templates will remain intact even after the battery is removed. The templates are protected by a special technology that inhibits the reproduction of the fingerprint image from the template.

"Apart from promoting biometrics hardware, we are focusing on software service solutions to enhance the biometrics system," Low said.

The company, he added, is partnering with systems integrators and selling direct to customers.

"We are aiming for RM1 million sales revenue from the biometrics solutions by end of this year. We are targeting every industry as security is needed everywhere."