CAMBRIDGE, U.K. -- nCipher plc (LSE:NCH), a global leader in protecting critical enterprise data, announces that its encryption and database security technology has been deployed as part of the miSense biometric airport security system, officially opened today at London’s Heathrow Airport by the UK Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP and Heathrow Airport CEO, Tony Douglas. See also the miSense project press release issued today.

By using biometric technology, including fingerprint, face and iris recognition, miSense aims to simplify and speed up airport check-in and boarding while further strengthening levels of security. Over the next few months, passengers traveling on selected flights between Heathrow and Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific or between Heathrow and Dubai with Emirates will be able to enroll and participate in the miSense trials. During check-in, passengers can scan their passport and right index fingerprint at a miSense self-service kiosk. This biometric information along with the boarding pass will then be used to verify them at security control and when boarding the aircraft. Participating is easy, free of charge and only takes a few minutes to enroll.

nCipher’s Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) have been deployed in the miSense system to generate and protect the unique cryptographic keys that are used to identify and validate each traveler based on their biometric information. In addition, nCipher’s SecureDB database encryption solution is being used to protect stored passenger information and passport details in order to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.

“The recent long delays at London airports as a result of tightened security checks have highlighted the need for a more sophisticated solution that strengthens security while improving the passenger experience,” says Alex van Someren, chief executive officer at nCipher. “Protecting the integrity of stored passenger information underpins the security of miSense and we are delighted that nCipher technology has been selected to play a vital role in this process.”

nCipher Corp. Ltd.