Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009

<h1>Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009</h1>Author: <a title="Valerie Douard" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/valerie-douard/76289.htm">Valerie Douard</a> As users search for greater security from their ID credentialing, the focus has been on implementing biometrics and smart cards. However, with so many different technologies around, the sheer choice of which smart card technology to use and what biometric methods to choose has held back implementation. For 2009, we are seeing that the FIPS 201 standard, defined for the US Government HPSD-12 programme, is generating a lot of interest in industry as a standard that can be adopted. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) was announced by President Bush in August 2004 defining a new policy for the issuance of a standardized credential for all US Federal employees and contractors. At the heart of HSPD-12 is a highly-secure ID card, employing biometric technology and visual security to ensure only authorized persons have access to government facilities and information. While of course industry cannot issue Government HSPD-12 cards, it is possible to implement ‘HSPD-12 like’ systems, where different security codes from the government are used, but the core equipment (cards, readers, ID card printers, software) is essentially the same. These demands place certain requirements on the ID card printing equipment: § The ability to encode biometric and access information to the chip on the smart card at the same time as printing the card. § Card lamination for extra durability. § The application of watermarks and holographic patterns on the card, for added security and authentication. § The security of the ID card printing equipment itself, to prevent unauthorized use. Magicard Professional series printers are designed to meet these challenges. With many years of experience in high-security applications, we have evolved our printers to meet these needs. The Magicard Tango +L is a GSA-approved product for printing and encoding FIPS 201 cards. While the high profile government projects are getting the media attention, it’s actually the use of smart cards by large companies, airports, and educational establishments for their own use which represents the greatest volume of ID cards and systems. The publicity caused by the HSPD-12 projects is making organizations think about the security and convenience aspects of smart cards. Find out more about <a href="http://www.ultramagicard.com">ID card printers</a>About the Author: I work as a global marketing and communications manager for Ultra Electronics Manufacturing card systems. I'm French and have now been living in the UK for 10 years. I graduated in business communications from the University of Rennes in France and post-graduated in International Public Relations at the University of Hertforshire, UK. I very much enjoy the creative side of my job, and most of all, the writing bit.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/government-standards-lead-the-way-in-2009-640759.html" title="Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009">Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009</a>

As users search for greater security from their ID credentialing, the focus has been on implementing biometrics and smart cards. However, with so many different technologies around, the sheer choice of which smart card technology to use and what biometric methods to choose has held back implementation.

For 2009, we are seeing that the FIPS 201 standard, defined for the US Government HPSD-12 programme, is generating a lot of interest in industry as a standard that can be adopted.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) was announced by President Bush in August 2004 defining a new policy for the issuance of a standardized credential for all US Federal employees and contractors. At the heart of HSPD-12 is a highly-secure ID card, employing biometric technology and visual security to ensure only authorized persons have access to government facilities and information.

While of course industry cannot issue Government HSPD-12 cards, it is possible to implement ‘HSPD-12 like’ systems, where different security codes from the government are used, but the core equipment (cards, readers, ID card printers, software) is essentially the same.

These demands place certain requirements on the ID card printing equipment:

§ The ability to encode biometric and access information to the chip on the smart card at the same time as printing the card.

§ Card lamination for extra durability.

§ The application of watermarks and holographic patterns on the card, for added security and authentication.

§ The security of the ID card printing equipment itself, to prevent unauthorized use.

Magicard Professional series printers are designed to meet these challenges. With many years of experience in high-security applications, we have evolved our printers to meet these needs. The Magicard Tango +L is a GSA-approved product for printing and encoding FIPS 201 cards.

While the high profile government projects are getting the media attention, it’s actually the use of smart cards by large companies, airports, and educational establishments for their own use which represents the greatest volume of ID cards and systems. The publicity caused by the HSPD-12 projects is making organizations think about the security and convenience aspects of smart cards.

Find out more about ID card printers

I work as a global marketing and communications manager for Ultra Electronics Manufacturing card systems. I'm French and have now been living in the UK for 10 years. I graduated in business communications from the University of Rennes in France and post-graduated in International Public Relations at the University of Hertforshire, UK. I very much enjoy the creative side of my job, and most of all, the writing bit.

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Article Tags: Card, Printers, Id

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