HAMBURG, Germany, March 3 /PRNewswire/ --

- Software Upgrade Increases Security of Live Scanner ZF1 by DERMALOG

Hamburg biometrics specialists DERMALOG are unveiling a newly developed
software upgrade for the company's fingerprint scanner ZF1 at the CeBIT 2008
that makes fake finger detection and or live recognition a reality. The
security of the device, which has been successfully used by German registry
offices since November 2007, is significantly increased thanks to the new
module.

International biometric comparison tests have proven that fingerprint
identification is the most reliable form of biometric identification.
Consequently, fingerprints are now integrated into the new electronic
passports worldwide. By mid-2009, all European Union member states will issue
passports with electronically archived fingerprints. German registry offices
have been using the ZF1 fingerprint scanner from Hamburg-based DERMALOG
Identification Systems GmbH successfully since November 1, 2007. The German
Bundesdruckerei chose DERMALOG because the ZF1 fulfils the BSI Standard
TR-PDÜ. The respective certification DERMALOG ZF1 received in January 2007. A
total of 14,000 of the 19,000 readers used by around 5,500 German registry
offices are DERMALOG ZF1.

State of the art: fingerprint scanner ZF1

The ZF1 is the world's smallest optical fingerprint scanner for capturing
individual fingers and was specifically developed for civilian application in
fingerprint identification and verification. Its ergonomic design ensures
maximum user friendliness, given that fingers are intuitively positioned in
the optimum position. Since the fingerprint image comprises a small file size
of just 10 kilobytes in the WSQ format, the ZF1 is ideal for combined use
with RFID applications, such as used in the German ePassport.

In the years to come, border checkpoints around the world will be
equipped with automatic passport and fingerprint readers, which will make it
possible to read the new biometric passports at so-called "Autogates" for
extremely fast and effective border control and immigration procedures.
Verifying whether or not the fingerprints are those of real live fingers is
more and more evolving into a critical factor.

Software upgrade ensures live recognition

DERMALOG has read the signs of the times correctly: The world's first
optical fingerprint scanner, the ZF1, which creates images of particularly
high quality thanks to total reflection technology, now also comes with an
optional live recognition or fake finger detection module that automatically
prevents the utilization of forged fingerprints. This makes the fingerprint
live scanner even more secure. The technology, which was developed by
DERMALOG, analyzes a variety of typical finger characteristics and
subsequently recognizes whether it is genuine or whether someone is
attempting to place a fingerprint dummy such as plastic fingers or artificial
finger tips on the scanner. The ZF1 was already prepared for this live
recognition function in its development phase, and thanks to the software
upgrade the function can now be activated. Existing devices can be upgraded
quickly and easily. New ZF1 customers have the option to add this module at
their discretion.

DERMALOG will present the upgrade for the first time at its CeBIT 2008
booth - hall 6, booth number J40. The add-on software module will be
available on the market right after the tradeshow.

Press contact:
    DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH
    Oliver von Treuenfels and Oliver Jahnke
    Mittelweg 120
    20148 Hamburg, Germany
    Tel: +49-40-41-32-27-0
    Fax: +49-40-41-32-27-89
    E-Mail: info@dermalog.de
    Internet: http://www.dermalog.de