• Instant DNA analysis worries privacy advocates

    In the past, it took weeks to analyze a person’s DNA, but with new technology it can take less than a day, and in most cases less than two hours; Rapid DNA analyzers can process a DN sample in less than ninety minutes; these machines, the size of a household printer, are now being marketed to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies around the country; privacy advocates worry

  • GAO: Easily obtained counterfeit IDs present real risks

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in which the agency demonstrates that counterfeit documents can still be used easily to obtain valid driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards under fictitious identities; GAO recommended that DHS exert more assertive leadership in an effort to correct the problem

  • Biometric data collection in U.S. immigrant communities and beyond

    DHS takes approximately 300,000 fingerprints per day from non-U.S. citizens crossing the border into the United States, and it collects biometrics from noncitizens applying for immigration benefits and from immigrants who have been detained; in addition, state and local law enforcement officers regularly collect fingerprints and DNA, as well as face prints and even iris scans

  • Aware provides biometrics products for border management systems

    Aware’s software products will be used for biometric enrolment, watch-list checks, verification, and workflow in Europe, the Middle East, and North America

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  • Advanced technologies shed more light on the killing of Trayvon Martin

    Since only two people know what happened in the confrontation between George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, and since one of them is dead, investigators must rely on circumstantial evidence — and on advanced technology; two such technologies — voice biometrics and redigitized imaging — help shed more light on the fateful February night

  • DHS: No extension to next January’s REAL ID deadline

    DHS tells Congress that the department “has no plans to extend” the REAL ID deadline for state compliance, set as 15 January 2013

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  • Triple-threat computer protection reduces identity theft

    Having a triple-threat combination of protective software on your computer greatly reduces your chances of identity theft; computer users who were running antivirus, anti-adware, and anti-spyware software were 50 percent less likely to have their credit card information stolen

  • Verifying passengers’ identity

    The cruise industry has been expanding at a rate of more than 7 percent annually in the past few years, resulting in bigger ships, more destinations, more on-board/on-shore activities, and more passengers – making it more difficult to keep track of passengers

  • Global Entry program expands to four additional airports

    CBP announced the expansion of the Global Entry program to four additional airports; the expansion will make the program available at airports serving 97 percent of international travelers arriving in the United States

  • China to fingerprint all foreigners

    Chinese lawmakers are currently considering new visa rules that would require all visitors working and studying in the country to have their fingerprints scanned as they enter and exit

  • DNC seeks hi-tech credentials and tickets for convention

    For the upcoming Democratic National Convention, event organizers are currently seeking companies that can create highly-sophisticated security badges and tickets that are not easily forged or copied

  • Accenture to bolster capabilities of US-VISIT

    DHS has awarded Accenture Federal Services a 13-month, $71 million contract further to enhance the capabilities of US-VISIT

  • Accenture wins $71 million contract for US VISIT

    On Wednesday Accenture Federal Services announced that it had won a thirteen month, $71 million contract with DHS to bolster its immigration and border management systems

  • Fewer but costlier cases of identity theft in U.S.

    Identity fraud in the United States fell 28 percent in 2010 to 8.1 million from an estimated 11 million in 2009, according to Javelin Strategy &Research. The problem: thieves are becoming more creative in their methods of obtaining personal information, and those who suffer from identity theft are facing higher consequences, with the average out-of-pocket costs nearly doubling in the same time period to $631from $387 per incident.

  • Majority of Americans willing to use biometric scanners

    A recent survey revealed that a majority of Americans are willing to provide their biometric data at airport security checkpoints, during banking transactions, and when receiving government benefits or other services