Zwipe, a global leader in biometric authentication technology, today announced that it has joined the aptiQ® Alliance Program, a collaborative group of global companies that support Allegion’s aptiQ smart card technology to create an ecosystem of open, highly secure solutions.

Zwipe can now provide aptiQ customers with biometric authorization using their presently installed aptiQ card readers. aptiQ users will be able to authenticate themselves directly on the Zwipe biometric card without adding a biometric reader to existing aptiQ? multi-technology card reader systems.

“Zwipe offers a unique credential-based biometric solution to the market that complements the aptiQ portfolio of products,” reports Allegion’s Director of Technology Alliances Diane Kehlenbeck. “Zwipe’s product allows aptiQ customers who are looking to enhance security practices with the ability to incorporate two-factor authentication seamlessly into their existing systems.”

“Using the Zwipe Access biometric card is yet another way that Allegion is bringing multi-factor verification and authorization to its large customer base,” adds Kim Humborstad, CEO of Zwipe. “Having been invited to join the great team of Alliance Program organizations shows how both Allegion and Zwipe are helping customers extend the life of their existing infrastructure while simultaneously increasing their level of security.”

The problems associated with PINs and passwords are eliminated through the use of Zwipe’s biometric authentication technology.

With Zwipe’s patented on-card authentication, only the authorized cardholder can activate communication with the reader. This means no more lending or borrowing ID badges to access buildings, university labs, hospital pharmacies, data centers or networks.

The on-card fingerprint scanner with 3D capacitive technology resides on the contactless smart card which is compatible with aptiQ and XceedID® card readers as the Zwipe biometric card supports proximity and aptiQ MIFARE® and MIFARE DESFire® EV1 technologies.

Without having to change out the existing readers, the Zwipe Access biometric card provides an easy, low-cost way for organizations to provide a biometric upgrade to access control systems.

By incorporating Zwipe’s biometric solution to access control, organizations can increase the security of their systems, their employees and their assets by changing the authentication from something they carry to something they are without any modification to their existing infrastructure.

The issues associated with lost or stolen credentials are dramatically reduced.

Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) is a global pioneer in safety and security, with leading brands like CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage® and Von Duprin®. Focusing on security around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion produces a range of solutions for homes, businesses, schools and other institutions. Allegion is a $2 billion company, with products sold in almost 130 countries.

Starting in 2009, Zwipe challenged the status quo of identity verification by replacing PINs and passwords with fingerprint authentication. After developing the leanest, fastest, and most power efficient fingerprint algorithm in the world, Zwipe continued disrupting the industry through its patented energy harvesting technology. No longer dependent on batteries, Zwipe fingerprint readers harvest the energy needed from already existing access, transport, border control and financial infrastructures. With its already strong portfolio of patent applications, Zwipe continues to develop and refine its innovative technology.