Digital Defense Unveils New Self-Contained Biometric Security Card; Bioprivacy Guaranteed by Cutting-Edge Enrollment and Authentication Technology

Business Wire, April 12, 2005

OMAHA, Neb. -- Digital Defense Group, a developer and supplier of innovative biometric security products, has developed a completely self-contained, wireless, biometric security device that grants secure building and computer access through the use of a fingerprint, without compromising a user's biometric privacy during enrollment or authentication.

Digital Defense(TM) will unveil and demonstrate the innovative new device, called the Factor4(TM) biocard, at the 2005 CardTech/SecurTech Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, April 12-14.

Factor4 and a related product, IronGate(TM), scheduled for release later this year, are the first such biometric security access products to take the form of a credit card. They feature a self-enrollment process whereby a user's unique biometric signature is generated based upon minutiae points of the fingerprint itself. This patent-pending technology

eliminates the need for a centralized database or external software, thus providing the highest level of authentication and biometric privacy available.

"With identity theft becoming an increasing problem, there is a greater need for biometric privacy now more than ever before," Digital Defense President Steve Campisi said. "We're very excited about the way the new Factor4 and IronGate biocards will revolutionize the security industry. Not only do both biocards provide the highest level of security available, they also eliminate the need for any external hardware or software and ensure complete biometric privacy. From enrollment to authentication, a user's personal data never leaves the card."

Digital Defense began research and product development of a wireless, self-enrolling biocard in 2001. More secure than passwords or PIN numbers, this self-enrolling, self-contained card requires no external hardware or software, protecting a user's privacy at all times.

To enroll, cardholders simply register their fingerprints by waving the card over an access plate and placing one or more fingers on the card's scan engine. Once the card is registered, only then can a 1:1 authentication take place through the wireless transmission of a multi-frequency band sending only the digital certificate. Because of this 1:1 authentication, the card is useless if lost or stolen and the biometric template cannot be breached.

Both the Factor4 and IronGate models are interoperable and compatible with HID 125 KHz interfaces and MiFare 13.56 MHz, supporting the 14443 Type "A" parts 2, 3, and 4, as well as the newer PayPass ISO/TEC 14443 contactless payment card system adopted by MasterCard and Visa. Both cards are multifunctional, meaning they can be used for both building and computer access.

Factor4 and IronGate are battery powered. They can be recharged wirelessly using a small black box that can double as a wireless interface to a personal computer. By placing a finger on the biometric engine, the user can log onto his or her computer using the biocard.

"Both the Factor4 and IronGate biocards are designed to provide top-level security for all types of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies to financial institutions and health care facilities," Campisi said. "Our cards can be easily used to protect facilities access, as well as network access."

IronGate is identical to Factor4, but provides an additional transmitter for an added range of up to three meters with a proprietary dual band RF tunnel, making it ideal for garage or gate access and other long-range transmissions. IronGate is scheduled to be released later this year.

To schedule an interview, contact Andy Halperin at 402-965-4340 or ahalperin@bozelljacobs.com. To learn more about Digital Defense Group and Factor4(TM) and IronGate(TM) biocards, visit www.myDigitalDefense.com.

Digital Defense Group is a developer and supplier of biometric security products located in Omaha, Neb. A subsidiary of Resilent, LLC, Digital Defense began research and product development of a wireless, self-enrolling biometric card in 2001. Out of this emerged two innovative security devices: the Factor4(TM) biocard and the IronGate(TM) biocard. Factor4 is used for short-range transmissions, while IronGate will provide an additional transmitter for added range up to three meters. For more information, visit www.myDigitalDefense.com or call (402) 397-CARD.