3M Cogent Biometric Access Control Readers Approved to Authenticate Transportation Worker Identification Credentials

Feb 17, 2012 — 3M Cogent’s biometric access control readers have successfully completed the United States Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) assessment. 3M Cogent’s MiY-ID and MiY-Card biometric readers are now listed on the TWIC ICE Fixed Reader list. Both devices support the TWIC Privacy Key (TPK) enciphered on-card reference biometrics during registration and in operation.

TSA developed the TWIC program in response to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). MTSA requires individuals who access secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels to obtain a TWIC card — a secure credential containing personalized biometric information. The MiY-ID and MiY-Card readers can validate and authenticate the TWIC cards and verify the identity of the person using the card at access control points, helping to ensure only those who are intended to have privileged access are able to enter secure maritime facilities.

“Passing the TSA TWIC assessment is a significant milestone for our MiY biometric access control readers,” said Christopher Crump, Director, 3M Cogent Commercial Business. “We designed the readers to meet the standards of the TWIC ICE assessment, knowing that all readers purchased with Port Security Grant Program funds must pass TWIC ICE evaluation requirements.”

All MiY readers are designed to perform fast and accurate biometric and credential authentication. The MiY product line provides single and multi-factor access control. Single factors include fingerprint, pin, or card, while multi-factor authentications combine three or four credential authenticators enabling more stringent security access controls where it is required. The MiY product line can interface with most physical access control systems and supports most government issued credentials. Finally, the readers easily facilitate third party integration.

For more information, visit http://www.cogentsystems.com.

About 3M Security Systems Division
3M Security Systems Division is a trusted partner and industry leader in delivering end-to-end, innovative security solutions to businesses and governments worldwide—helping to ensure the security of people, documents and goods. 3M uses its broadband knowledge, in-depth experience and technological expertise to help solve an array of security challenges, including brand protection, product security, efficient passenger check-in, secure ID and passport document issuance and hardware and software system solutions for border management. 3M Cogent adds to these capabilities with biometric identification solutions for governments, law enforcement agencies and commercial enterprises. 3M Cogent provides the highest quality identification systems, products and services with leading technology, accuracy and speed. 3M Security Systems technologies are used in over 100 countries around the world. For more information, visit: www.3M.com/SecuritySystems.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs about 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

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