Biometric Authentication Business Launches

PRESS RELEASE

LONDON, 15th February, 2012 - Natural security, a pioneering provider of powerful authentication technology, and member of the Biometrics Alliance Initiative, today announces its international launch plans for 2012.

In March this year, natural security will offer the global payments world a preview of the first payment and ID application from its unique authentication solution at Cartes USA and Cartes Asia respectively. The solution is based on a secure element and biometric recognition, combining privacy with user-friendliness.

The use of biometrics enables authentication based on two key components: identification that is unique to the individual, and a smartcard, SD card, or alternative, that is always in the users possession at the time of a transaction. The mid-range contactless enabled device means the simple act of placing a finger on a reader is all thats required for the authentication process. This negates the need to memorise a PIN and makes it both simpler and faster to conduct transactions. Because natural security relies on contactless technology it spares users the need to physically handle the device, thereby optimizing the entire authentication process.

Natural security is also partnering with contactless technology specialist, TazTag, which will see its unique authentication technology integrated into the worlds first biometric enabled Android tablet, the TazPad. The TazPad is a portable tablet incorporating a biometric reader and a certified telecoms standard (provided by ZigBee). The TazPad can be used in retail stores to enhance customer service by providing product information, giving access to loyalty schemes and completing contactless payment transactions securely, utilising biometric authorisation technology provided by natural security.

The authentication data stored on natural securitys pioneering device is unique to the user, so a transaction can only take place when both the user and device are present. This technology ensures the device cannot be used by anyone else in the case of loss or theft. There is also no central database of biometric information and no way of tracing the cards or the data stored on them, making the whole system incredibly secure.

Cdric Hozanne, CEO at natural security, comments New technology, particularly when used for verification purposes, is often understandably met with wariness from those both inside and outside the industry. Personal data is a sensitive area, however using biometrics the natural security way is actually much more secure and less intrusive than people assume. We strive to be synonymous with convenience, speed and security for service providers, banks and retailers, while at the same time guaranteeing the protection and privacy of personal data for end users. Our partnership with TazTag makes accepting contactless payments with biometric authorisation simple and fast for retailers to install and use. We hope it will initiate the next generation of in-store interactive services and new payment options for customers.

Natural security is a founder member of the Biometrics Alliance Initiative, a working collective of users, banks, retailers, integrators, academics and certifying bodies. The initiative was launched in 2011 to jointly accelerate the progress of biometric technology, and intends to quash previous doubts associated with biometric payment security and access control. It also aims to develop a systematic approach to biometric technology certification, guaranteeing levels of security and usability particularly in the banking and payment processing industry.

Natural security intends to further demonstrate its commitment to becoming an educator and enabler for a technological shift to strong authentication processes, by launching the natural security community in February, 2012. The group will be the first of its kind in the payments and security space, creating a specific forum for discussion on topics surrounding biometry and authentication, feeding into the natural security ecosystem.

About natural security

Natural security is a pioneering provider of powerful authentication technology and founding member of the Biometrics Alliance Initiative.

Natural security has developed the user authentication of the future by combining a contactless personal device and biometrics. The personal device, based on a secure element, stores applications and data used to authenticate the user, resolving problems related to privacy. Midrange contactless technology provides a unique and convenient experience for users. The solution, defined and certified by natural security, is universal and targets face-to-face or online payment transactions and access to services.

The natural security standard eases the adoption of strong authentication and use of the same authentication process in different contexts (at home, work, Internet or in-store). Its technology enables both payment and non-payment transactions to be reliably authenticated and controlled. Natural security aspires to be synonymous with speed and security for service providers, banks and shops while at the same time guaranteeing both the protection and privacy of personal data for end users.

Founded in 2008, natural security is headquartered in France, Eura Technologies, Lille, a hub for technical innovation. Natural security supplies to key global sectors, including: payments, banking and retail.

Natural security's stakeholders include banks (Banque Accord, BNP Paribas, Crdit Agricole, Crdit Mutuel Arka), retailers (Auchan, Leroy Merlin) and manufacturers (Ingenico).

About TazTag

TazTag, a French innovative company, uses its expertise to create and provide secure contactless products and solutions based on NFC and Zigbee'.

TazTags core activity is the creation of new, highly secure, multi-application contactless products such as the TazModule, the TazKiosk, and the TazPad, our World 1st NFC & Zigbee' Android Tablet highly secure with fingerprint sensor.

Thanks to its expertise, TazTag is also able to answer specific requests such as the specific products set for Natural Security, associating Zigbee, Security, and NFC.

TazTag will also announce soon at MWC in Barcelona a new mobile device, both for consumers and professionals, with all its core technologies and compliant with Natural Security specification.

For more information: [email protected]