Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
DoD Reconsiders Zero Trust Review Process
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is planning to automate the review process for zero trust implementation plans after a labor-intensive effort that involved 35 full-time staff members taking nearly four months to review and provide feedback on 39 plans from military services, defense agencies, and combatant commands. “We really can’t repeat this process, it is untenable,” commented Randy Resnick, Director of the Zero Trust Architecture Program Management Office. Additionally, Federal News Network reports that the DoD CIO’s office is accelerating zero trust pilot development across various infrastructure models, aiming to complete these pilots by the end of 2024, following the recent approval of the defense budget. Minor updates to the cybersecurity strategy’s activities are expected, but the zero trust reference architecture, currently at version 2.0, will not be revised this year, although Resnick is open to collaborative efforts for future updates.
Saudi Airport Gets Biometric e-Gates
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has launched new e-gates at King Khalid International Airport’s Terminals 3 and 4 in Riyadh. The gates are designed to enable smoother international travel by allowing passengers with stored biometric data (in this case fingerprint data) to complete travel procedures independently. The project aims to streamline processes for citizens, residents, and visitors. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of digitization and improved travel experiences under the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
Oura Ring Gets ‘Symptom Radar’ Tool
The Oura Ring biometric wearable has a new “Oura Labs” feature that offers an experimental health monitoring tool called “Symptom Radar”, which will allow the company to test new features and gather user feedback before incorporating them into the main Oura app. Oura Labs tracks biometric data (temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate) to identify potential signs of physiological strain, but not diagnose illnesses, while sending users alerts for significant changes, allowing them to prioritize rest.
Hyundai-Kia Deliver Robot Gets Biometric Upgrade
Hyundai and Kia have introduced a new delivery robot named DAL-e. This iteration upgrades the previous model with facial recognition technology for secure deliveries and improved autonomous navigation using environmental recognition sensors. Designed for retail and hospitality settings, DAL-e can carry up to 16 cups of coffee or 22 pounds of goods and integrate with building systems for independent movement. Hyundai and Kia aim to utilize DAL-e in various locations including offices, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Bangladeshi Bank Teams With IDEX on Payment Cards
Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has partnered with Norway-based IDEX Biometrics to launch biometric payment cards featuring embedded fingerprint sensors. MTB says the collaboration reflects its strategy to innovate its services and attract new customers by offering secure and convenient payment options, thereby contributing to financial empowerment in Bangladesh. For IDEX Biometrics, this partnership extends its footprint in Asia, following successful implementations in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan, demonstrating the growing global demand for biometric security solutions in financial services.
AU10TIX Enhances FXCM Trading Platform
AU10TIX and Stratos Group have successfully enhanced the latter’s FXCM online trading platform through a strategic partnership. By integrating AU10TIX’s Identity Verification Suite and biometric solutions, FXCM has automated its user verification process, significantly speeding up onboarding from potentially days to mere seconds and improving ID document approval rates from 62 percent to 91 percent, the companies say. “By automating our validation processes, we’ve not only enhanced security but also improved the onboarding experience for our customers,” commented FXCM eKYC Product Manager Teodora Mladenova.
New Appointments at FaceTec, Veriff, iProov
FaceTec has named Geoff Slagle as its new Executive VP of Digital Identity, positioning him to be a key figure in the company’s efforts to expand into the digital and mobile ID space. He comes to the firm from a previous position as President and Chief Business Development Officer for the Sweden-based mobile ID company Scytáles; and before that he spent 12 years as Director of Identity Management for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a non-profit trade organization. Read our full story.
Veriff has named Jeffrey Guy as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. He comes to the company from a previous position as COO of DigitalOcean, a cloud computing platform provider, where he helped to scale the company from $180 million in revenues to $800 million. He has also previously held senior executive positions with Solera, Maxar Technologies, and DigitalGlobe. “Jeff has an incredible track record of scaling businesses, and having someone of his caliber on board is a real coup for Veriff as we are on our journey of becoming the global source of truth for identity online,” said CEO Kaarel Kotkas.
iProov has named Peter James as its new Chief Product Officer. He comes to the company from Digimarc, where he served as VP of Product Strategy from 2022 to 2024. Previously, he held senior product roles with EVRYTHING (which was acquired by Digimarc in 2022), Experian, and OpenBet. iProov CEO Andrew Bud called his appointment “a key step” in the company’s plans to expand its product offering and market reach. Joe Palmer, who previously held the role of Chief Product and Innovation Officer, is now iProov’s Chief Innovation Officer.
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April 3, 2024 – by Alex Perala and Tony Bitzionis
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