Biometric puts the finger on PDA security

Next-generation biotechnology for handhelds unveiled at Comdex

Biometric Solutions unveiled its next generation of security-based biometric technology for personal digital assistants (PDAs) at Comdex Spring in Chicago last week.

The company rolled out two products, BioSentry and BioHub, and extended its Combi line of fixed security hardware.

BioSentry is a portable biometric fingerprint reader designed for the Compaq iPAQ pocket PC. It is attached in place of the iPAQ expansion pack to increase security and prevent unauthorised access to both hardware and data on the device.

BioHub uses portable fingerprint authentication for older Compaq, Hewlett Packard and Casio handheld devices, where a user can choose authentication with or without a smart card.

"In the past, IT managers struggled to secure information on portable authentication devices," said Martin Janiak, chief executive of Biocentric Solutions. "Biometric technology eliminates the need for remembering passwords. And since every fingerprint is unique, it is impossible to fake them. PDAs need the same security levels as they become more powerful. Taking biometrics onto this platform is the first step."

The company expanded its Combi line with the release of CombiMemory, a device which eliminates timecard fraud, where employees clock in absent co-workers. The application requires that employees verify their identity before accessing time-keeping systems.

CombiMemory incorporates the fingerprint technology of BioSentry and BioHub into a company's existing time and attendance systems.

Internet appliance shipments will out-number PC shipments by 2005, and there will be a plethora of other PDAs, according to Brian Halla, chief executive of National Semiconductor. In his keynote speech at Comdex, he said that global internet traffic doubles every 100 days and that companies face "an exponential explosion".