Without needing to install any biometric readers, the Zwipe biometric card itself quickly reads the user’s fingerprint in less than a second. Eliminating the problems of solely deploying PINs and standard cards, the contactless Zwipe biometric card lets users authenticate themselves directly on the card through something they are, a fingerprint.

Only then will the card system reader activate the lock. This is much more secure than simply using a standard contactless card, which verifies only something they carry, the card, and much more efficient that switching out card readers for biometric readers.

The on-card fingerprint scanner with 3D capacitive technology resides on the contactless proximity or smart card which has universal compatibility with all ISO 14443 readers.

The Zwipe biometric card is DESFIRE EV1 and MIFARE Classic compatible. Without having to change out the existing readers, the biometric card provides an easy, low cost way for organizations to provide a biometric upgrade to access control systems using contactless card readers or multi-technology readers that also read smart cards.

“This is a natural evolution of the ID card,” emphasizes Kim Humborstad, CEO of Zwipe. “ID cards have evolved from the barcode to magnetic stripe to proximity to smart and, now, to biometrics on the card. No longer do organizations need to worry if someone not authorized to enter is using another person’s ID card. With the biometric directly on the card, they can be assured that the only people getting in are those authorized to do so.”

The biometric card is more secure to use than other available ID and authentication solutions on the market today. The fingerprint data is captured by the on-card fingerprint scanner and is thereafter encrypted and stored only inside the card.

No exchange of data is conducted with external systems. This provides secure template management since the fingerprint never leaves the card.

It also eliminates user concerns with privacy issues. The card is unique to the user and only the authorized card holder can activate card communication with the reader.

When a positive match occurs, the Zwipe biometric card will activate encrypted communication with the lock or reader in the same way as other ISO 14443 contactless cards.