Regula to Manage Face Biometrics for Maldives' eFaas

Published Date : 03/12/2024 

Regula Forensics, a leading forensic and biometric technology provider, has been awarded the contract to provide face recognition for the Maldives' national digital identity eFaas, replacing SumSub. 

Regula Forensics, a renowned forensic and biometric technology provider, has been awarded the contract to supply face recognition for the Maldives' national digital identity system, eFaas.

This decision comes after the Maldives government voided its original contract with SumSub due to geopolitical tensions.

According to The Edition, the switch in vendors is largely driven by the ongoing global conflict.

Despite SumSub being registered in the UK, its owners are from Israel, and the Maldives government faced significant public criticism for maintaining business ties during the ongoing regional war in the Middle East.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been vocal about the situation, calling on the United Nations to hold Israel accountable for the conflict in Gaza.

In June, the government temporarily banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country.

In response, Israel advised its citizens against traveling to the Maldives.

Regula, with over 30 years of experience in forensic research, boasts the largest library of document templates globally.

Headquartered in Daugavpils, Latvia, near the border with Belarus, the company recently moved to a new, larger facility to accommodate its growing business.

The new office, double the size of the previous one, spans 3800 square meters and houses Regula’s entire business cycle, from research and development to software and manufacturing.

In a blog post, Regula highlights the expansion, stating, “Since our business continues to grow, we need to intensify and expand our software and hardware R&D, as well as our forensic device manufacturing line.” The company’s CTO, Ihar Kliashchou, emphasizes that this expansion will enable Regula to meet customer needs more efficiently and swiftly.

This move by the Maldives government not only aligns with its geopolitical stance but also ensures that the country’s national digital identity system, eFaas, is backed by a reputable and experienced provider in the field of biometric technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: Why did the Maldives government switch from SumSub to Regula?

A: The Maldives government switched from SumSub to Regula due to public criticism over SumSub's Israeli ownership during the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Q: What is eFaas?

A: eFaas is the Maldives' national digital identity system, which includes face recognition technology to enhance security and verification processes.

Q: What is Regula's background in biometric technology?

A: Regula has over 30 years of experience in forensic research and possesses the largest library of document templates globally, making it a leading provider in biometric technology.

Q: Where is Regula headquartered?

A: Regula is headquartered in Daugavpils, Latvia, near the border with Belarus.

Q: What prompted Regula to move to a new facility?

A: Regula moved to a new, larger facility to accommodate its growing business, intensify its R&D activities, and expand its manufacturing capabilities. 

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CBP Broadens Iris Recognition at U.S. Borders 

Published Date : 04/12/2024 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasingly leveraging iris recognition technology to enhance border security. Despite its limited use compared to fingerprint and facial recognition, iris scanning is becoming a critical tool for identifying individuals at border checkpoints. 

The U.S.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is making significant strides in expanding the use of iris recognition technology at the nation’s borders.

This move is noteworthy given the limited adoption of the technology compared to more prevalent methods like fingerprint and facial recognition.

Over the past decade, the U.S.

Border Patrol, a key component of the CBP responsible for securing the border, has ramped up its use of iris scanning.

For the fourth quarter of this fiscal year, nearly 69% of apprehensions facilitated by the CBP involved an iris scan, according to an agency insider.

The goal is to increase this percentage to 100%.

Currently, some of the agency’s computer systems lack the cameras necessary for iris scans.

Additionally, Border Patrol agents often have the option to skip the iris scanning process.

To boost the uptake, the CBP is planning to roll out a software update later this month that will mandate iris scans during encounters.

According to a CBP spokesperson, 40 checkpoints across four regional sectors are equipped with iris biometric technology.

Last fiscal year, 8,000 identifications were made using iris scans along with fingerprints.

“Iris scanners are just a part of our biometric collection, like the collection of fingerprints and photographs for facial comparison,” the spokesperson explained.

“Iris biometrics helps us confirm identities where fingerprint matches are not possible due to degradation or discrepancies.”

The CBP has also tested iris recognition at its Office of Field Operations, which handles official ports of entry like airports.

However, the agency decided to move forward only with facial and fingerprint biometrics at these points.

“U.S.

Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations conducted a limited iris biometrics field study using three collection methods, including on-the-move, pause-and-look, and kiosks, and opted to only move forward with facial and fingerprint biometrics.

CBP no longer collects iris biometrics at POEs,” the spokesperson added.

A recent privacy threshold analysis mentions the use of biometrics, specifically taking a “photo.” However, the document does not specifically reference iris technology.

An anonymous source familiar with the Border Patrol program noted that iris recognition is deployed throughout the CBP.

The primary appeal of iris recognition is its stability over a person’s lifetime, making it a reliable identifier.

For instance, fingerprints can fade due to manual labor or cleaning chemicals, and in some cases, individuals might intentionally burn off their fingerprints.

Iris recognition provides a consistent alternative.

Patrick Grother, an expert in biometric technology at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), explained, “Face recognition is built on learning from massive amounts of data.

Iris recognition, originally, wasn’t done that way.

The original research looked at images of the iris and wrote down a set of algorithms that promised good recognition.

This approach proved successful and led to the development of the industry.” He added that iris technology can distinguish between identical twins but may be affected by the quality of the photo, eye openness, and certain eye conditions.

The technology used by the CBP is provided by Iris ID, a leading company in the field.

Tim Meyerhoff, the company’s director, stated that their cameras are designed with near-infrared monochrome lighting to illuminate the iris, a feature not found in typical webcams.

Iris ID has been working with the CBP for about a decade, according to records and documents released by the Department of Homeland Security.

Proponents of iris recognition argue that it is a game-changer for border security, helping to identify individuals who attempt to evade detection in security databases.

However, privacy advocates express concerns about potential misuse.

Jake Wiener, an attorney at the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), cautioned, “What we don’t want to happen with iris is what happened with Social Security numbers.

It got used for everything.

Now everyone’s Social Security number is purchasable on the dark web.

I think iris is the last biometrics that hasn’t been broken in that way.” Despite the risks, he noted that iris recognition poses fewer threats compared to facial recognition because iris images cannot be matched against a vast database of web images.

Though iris biometric recognition is less common than other biometric methods, its use is on the rise.

Iris ID collaborates with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and CLEAR biometrics and assists with border crossings in some Middle Eastern countries.

The company provides the necessary cameras and back-end technology for identification but does not retain the iris data itself.

About Iris ID

Iris ID is a leading provider of iris recognition technology, offering specialized cameras and software solutions.

The company’s technology is designed to capture high-quality iris images using near-infrared monochrome lighting, ensuring accurate and reliable identification.

About CBP

The U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for protecting the nation’s borders.

CBP integrates border and transportation security functions and has a workforce of more than 60,000 employees. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is iris recognition technology?

A: Iris recognition technology is a biometric method that uses the unique patterns in the iris of the eye to identify individuals. It is known for its high accuracy and reliability over a person’s lifetime.

Q: Why is CBP expanding the use of iris recognition?

A: CBP is expanding the use of iris recognition to enhance border security by providing a reliable and consistent method of identification, especially in cases where fingerprints may be degraded or missing.

Q: How does iris recognition compare to other biometric methods like facial and fingerprint recognition?

A: Iris recognition is more stable over a person’s lifetime and can distinguish between identical twins. However, it requires specialized cameras and more hands-on work compared to facial recognition.

Q: What are the privacy concerns associated with iris recognition?

A: Privacy advocates worry about potential misuse of iris data and the risks of it being used for broader purposes beyond border security. However, iris images are less susceptible to large-scale databases compared to facial recognition.

Q: Which company provides the iris recognition technology used by CBP?

A: The iris recognition technology used by CBP is provided by Iris ID, a leading company in the field known for its high-quality cameras and back-end technology. 

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DHS Enhances Biometric Security with Wired Interconnection for Mobile Devices 

Published Date : 04/12/2024 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is developing a wired interconnection cable/adapter to securely and efficiently collect biometric data using mobile devices, addressing critical operational needs and cybersecurity concerns. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leading an initiative to create a wired interconnection cable/adapter that will support the secure and efficient collection of biometric data using mobile devices.

This innovation aims to transform biometric operations for DHS components and interagency partners by providing a reliable and portable solution for biometric identification in field environments.

DHS believes this initiative aligns with global trends toward enhancing digital identity and trust.

As biometric technologies become increasingly important for secure authentication and verification processes, the need for interoperable and secure solutions continues to grow.

The interconnection cable/adapter represents a significant advancement in biometric technology, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for diverse operational contexts.

To this end, DHS’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program has issued a pre-solicitation for its upcoming 25.1 DHS SBIR Solicitation.

The pre-solicitation highlights that existing biometric solutions do not fully meet DHS’s operational requirements, particularly for personnel who rely on iOS devices and require secure, hardwired data transfer capabilities.

The ability to collect biometric data securely in real-time is critical for many DHS missions.

DHS has emphasized that many of its stakeholders do not have a mobile fingerprint capability and are reliant on other DHS components’ devices or resort to booking subjects in a field office, which can be a logistical burden.

For example, DHS stakeholders’ missions include conducting traffic stops where they may encounter individuals on a watch list.

A mobile capability would enable them to verify a person’s identity quickly, preventing the need to transport the person to a field office, which may be a significant distance from the encounter location for secondary inspection.

One of the biggest challenges for DHS is the lack of biometric capture devices compatible with iOS systems and the widespread reliance on wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which pose significant cybersecurity risks.

To date, there is a sufficient market of biometric capture devices supported by the Android operating system, but a very limited market of biometric capture devices supported by the iOS operating system.

Key DHS stakeholders use iOS exclusively.

The market availability of biometric capture using iOS-based mobile phone cameras is not sufficient to address Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) biometric requirements, as it is limited to just face and contactless fingerprint.

To date, the use of DHS/OBIM biometric identification and verification services requires contact fingerprint submission.

The iOS market is further limited to capture devices that only provide contactless fingerprint and face biometric supported directly by the phone or the capture devices utilize a wireless (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) connection for contact fingerprint and iris capture with an optional wired connection that only provides power.

Wireless connections are unsuitable for sensitive DHS operations, necessitating the development of a secure, hardwired solution that ensures data integrity and meets stringent security standards.

DHS has stated that wireless connections cannot be used for many DHS mission sets due to the sensitivity of the collected data and requirements from the components.

Key DHS stakeholders who are interested in a mobile capability to support their biometric field mission are prohibited from using Bluetooth peripherals, and due to cybersecurity concerns, they have expressly stated the need for wired peripherals.

The proposed wired interconnection cable/adapter aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS systems by enabling secure data transfer and power connections for biometric capture devices.

The device must support both Lightning and USB-C connections, allowing seamless integration with mobile phones and biometric peripherals.

By addressing these compatibility issues, DHS can enhance its ability to deploy biometric technology in the field, reducing logistical burdens and improving operational efficiency.

The design and functionality of the interconnection cable/adapter are guided by specific requirements.

The device must provide high-speed data transfer at rates of 480 Mbps or greater while also supporting power delivery of up to 12W/2.4A.

It must be compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems to ensure interoperability across platforms.

The solution must also integrate with commercially available biometric capture devices that can collect contact fingerprints, iris images, and facial recognition data.

It must adhere to rigorous standards, including compliance with ANSI/NIST-ITL and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Division specifications to ensure high-quality data output and interoperability with existing DHS systems.

Portability is a crucial aspect of the design.

The complete system, including the mobile phone and biometric peripherals, must be lightweight and compact enough to be handheld effectively.

This will ensure that DHS personnel can operate the device comfortably in the field without compromising functionality.

Additionally, the solution must include safeguards to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties, aligning with DHS’s commitment to ethical and secure biometric operations.

The initiative is structured into three developmental phases.

The first phase focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of the solution through modeling and simulation.

Developers will illustrate how the interconnection cable/adapter integrates with mobile devices and biometric peripherals, providing a schematic to showcase the system’s handheld functionality.

This phase lays the groundwork for prototype development by validating the technical approach.

During Phase II, DHS performers must demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed biometric capture device interconnection cable/adapter for data transfer and power, with necessary Application Programming Interfaces or device drivers that support at minimum Lightning and USB-C connections to existing COTS compatible biometric capture devices for Android and iOS operating system compatibility through modeling and simulation of the proposed integration pathway between mobile device, cable transfer, and COTS peripheral.

Solutions must include a schematic to show that the entire package, including a mobile phone, capture device(s), and interconnection cable/adapter, can be handheld effectively as a single unit.

The deliverables from this phase will enable DHS to evaluate the system’s performance under real-world conditions, providing valuable insights for refinement.

The final phase involves field testing and stakeholder collaboration.

DHS will partner with key stakeholders, such as the U.S.

Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies, to assess the prototype in diverse operational scenarios.

Feedback from these evaluations will guide further improvements, ensuring the solution meets the demands of various mission environments.

DHS has indicated that the implications of the interconnection cable/adapter extend well beyond DHS.

The cable/adapter has the potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement, the Intelligence Community, and international partners.

Its portability, security, and interoperability make it a valuable tool for biometric identification in disaster response, counterterrorism, and other critical operations where traditional infrastructure may be unavailable.

The development of a wired interconnection cable/adapter for mobile biometric capture marks a transformative step in enhancing DHS’s operational capabilities.

By providing a secure and portable solution for biometric data collection, this innovation addresses critical challenges and will enable DHS to better fulfill its mission of protecting national security. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the main goal of the DHS initiative?

A: The main goal of the DHS initiative is to develop a wired interconnection cable/adapter that supports secure and efficient biometric data collection using mobile devices, addressing critical operational needs and cybersecurity concerns.

Q: Why is the wired interconnection cable/adapter important for DHS?

A: The wired interconnection cable/adapter is important for DHS because it ensures secure data transfer and meets stringent security standards, which are crucial for sensitive operations where wireless technologies pose significant cybersecurity risks.

Q: What kind of biometric data can the interconnection cable/adapter collect?

A: The interconnection cable/adapter can support the collection of contact fingerprints, iris images, and facial recognition data, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality biometric data collection.

Q: How will this initiative benefit other stakeholders?

A: The initiative will benefit other stakeholders, including law enforcement, the Intelligence Community, and international partners, by providing a portable, secure, and interoperable solution for biometric identification in various critical operations.

Q: What are the key phases of the development process for this interconnection cable/adapter?

A: The development process for the interconnection cable/adapter is structured into three phases: demonstrating feasibility through modeling and simulation, demonstrating technical feasibility of the solution, and conducting field testing and stakeholder collaboration. 

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