Gemplus Launches Identity Management System for the US Government

HSPD-12 requires that all Federal executive departments and agencies issue secure and reliable forms of identification to employees and contractors for physical access to all Federally controlled facilities and logical access to Federally controlled information systems during 2005. In order to help agencies prepare for future compliance with HSPD-12, Gemplus has assembled, pre-integrated, tested, and packaged its core products with those from top identity management and security vendors, resulting in SafesITe Government. This smart card-based identity management system embraces interoperability and allows systems integrators to concentrate upon their core capabilities: integration and delivery of the total identity management solution within the Federal agency legacy environment. Compliant with US Federal standards All SafesITe Government components - smart cards, applets, desktop software, card management system, and services - are interoperable and in compliance with existing US Federal standards, including FIPS 140-2 and GSCIS 2.1. Furthermore, Gemplus is committed to evolving Federal standards, such as FIPS 201, offering agencies a way to meet government requirements today and ensure compliance in the future. SafesITe Government ID cards use two-factor authentication, which requires users to prove their identities in two ways: using something they have (a secure and personalised ID card) and something they know (their PIN). This results in a higher level of security and authentication that protects sensitive ID data. When optional biometric functionality is added, agencies benefit from increased security using a third-factor of authentication. Combines physical and logical security SafesITe Government combines physical and logical access onto a single, secure ID badge that can also be enhanced through additional applications such as cafeteria payment, vending, and medical processing.