Identity News Digest – September 10, 2024

Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

Harvard Researcher Argues for Hi-res Imaging in Fingerprint Recognition

Newly available research from Harvard, authored by Linda Estella, advocates for integrating high-resolution imaging into fingerprint recognition systems to enhance defenses against spoofing attacks. The paper, Using Photography to Strengthen Fingerprint Spoofing Defenses, highlights how high-resolution cameras can capture intricate details, such as sweat pores and fine ridge patterns, that conventional fingerprint sensors often miss. By cross-referencing these images with a fingerprint database, systems can more accurately detect fake fingerprints made from materials like silicone and gelatin. While the integration could increase processing times and costs, the research demonstrates that high-res imaging significantly improves the system’s ability to identify spoofed fingerprints, offering a promising multi-layered defense in biometric security.

Danish Justice Minister Confirms Facial Recognition Plans Amid Gang Violence

Denmark has confirmed plans to allow police the use of retroactive facial recognition technology in criminal investigations, as announced by Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard. The decision follows an increase in gang-related violence, particularly involving teenage suspects from Sweden. The technology will be used only for serious crimes, such as violent offenses and national security cases, and will not be employed for real-time surveillance. The government aims to enhance investigative efficiency, reducing search times and aiding in manhunts. While the Socialist People’s Party supports the measure, it has called for strict oversight.

iDenfy Secures Onboarding for Bitlocus Crypto Exchange

Lithuania-based identity assurance specialist iDenfy has partnered with Bitlocus, a cryptocurrency exchange platform, to enhance security and streamline user onboarding. iDenfy’s AI-powered biometric identification software will help Bitlocus comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations by providing automated identity verification, screening for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and checking sanctions lists. Established in 2019, Bitlocus offers crypto-to-fiat and decentralized financial services and sought iDenfy’s solution to support its growth. According to Bitlocus CEO Andrius Normantas, the partnership has already improved the platform’s security standards.

Neurotechnology Combines Face, Finger, and Voice Biometrics In ‘MegaMatcher ID’ Dev Tool

Neurotechnology has introduced MegaMatcher ID, a Software Development Kit (SDK) that combines face, fingerprint, and voice biometrics into a single solution, allowing for seamless deployment in apps without the need for specialized biometric equipment. The new tool integrates text-independent voice recognition, contactless face verification, and fingerprint scanning via standard phone or computer cameras. The SDK offers capabilities such as onboarding, verification, liveness checks, and age estimation, supporting multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Neurotechnology aims to use this unified biometric solution in sectors such as online banking and government e-services, emphasizing its versatility and reliability.

‘RAMBO’ Cyberattack Can Steal Biometric Data from an Air-gapped Network

The newly discovered RAMBO (Radiation of Air-gapped Memory Bus for Offense) cyberattack, developed by Dr. Mordechai Guri at Ben-Gurion University, exploits radio signals emitted by a computer’s RAM to steal sensitive data from air-gapped systems—computers isolated from the internet. The attack enables malware on a compromised system to manipulate the RAM and generate radio signals that encode sensitive information, including biometric data, encryption keys, and files. These signals can be intercepted by an attacker using basic radio equipment and decoded to retrieve the data. Although the transmission rate is slow (around 1,000 bits per second), RAMBO can still extract critical small files. To prevent such attacks, countermeasures like using Faraday cages are recommended to block electromagnetic signals.

HID Biometric Tech Transforms Criminal Booking in São Paulo

HID Global has demonstrated how its biometric technology has modernized criminal booking processes for the Civil Police of São Paulo, Brazil’s largest state police force. Prior to the upgrade, São Paulo’s police faced challenges with fragmented identity systems, high rates of identity fraud, and inefficient manual fingerprinting. The implementation of HID’s BioKit system, featuring a tenprint scanner, resolved these issues by capturing high-quality rolled and flat fingerprints for identity verification. Integrated with Brazil’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the technology reduced booking times from days to minutes, streamlining operations across 500 police stations. The system’s ease of use and enhanced accuracy have improved identity checks, reducing fraud and aiding in criminal case resolutions.

Indonesian Border Official Credits HID Tech for ‘Drastically Decreased’ Queues at Seaport

HID Global has also partnered with Indonesian authorities to enhance border security and streamline travel at Batam Center, a major seaport between Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. By implementing HID’s U.ARE.U facial recognition camera and ATOM document reader, the automated border control system has significantly reduced queues and improved the travel experience. Travelers can now verify their identity in seconds through facial recognition, reducing the need for manual checks and allowing immigration officers to focus on critical tasks. Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, credits the system for drastically decreasing wait times and enhancing efficiency.

Vivotek Aims to Enhance Face Clarity with RealSight Engine

Vivotek has introduced the RealSight Engine, a new feature designed to enhance the clarity of facial images captured by its AI network cameras, particularly in challenging lighting conditions such as backlighting, low light, and overexposure. The RealSight Engine automatically improves image quality by reducing motion blur, ensuring facial detail clarity, and maintaining accurate color representation without the need for manual adjustments. Integrated with Smart VCA (Video Content Analysis) and Deep Search, the system enhances alarm accuracy and speeds up event detection. The RealSight Engine is available for select Vivotek AI camera models, with plans to expand to more products in the future.

Worldcoin Under Scrutiny in Singapore Over Account Sales and Biometric Data Privacy Concerns

Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency project led by Sam Altman, is under increased scrutiny in Singapore due to concerns over the buying and selling of accounts and the handling of biometric data for user identification. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has stated that while Worldcoin itself is not directly regulated under the Payment Services Act 2019, individuals involved in the commercial sale or purchase of Worldcoin accounts or tokens may be violating the law. Authorities are investigating seven individuals in connection with such activities. Additionally, Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has raised concerns over the use of iris scans for biometric identification, emphasizing the need for robust data protection measures. A public advisory has been issued, warning users about the risks of account transfers, which could facilitate money laundering or terrorism financing.

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September 10, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala