Document Security Systems and CardLogix Partner up for e-passports

Document Security Systems, a provider of optical deterrent technologies and CardLogix, a manufacturer of smart cards and software, announced a strategic partnership to create secure e-Passport solutions. The two companies are working on combining chip-based encryption and graphic features that will make e-Passports a fast, effective and accurate means of identification. Credentials with chip and graphics technology are ideal for all forms of identity, including e-Passports, National IDs, driver licenses and many other official forms of secure identification.

An e-Passport is a combination of a paper passport and an electronic chip. The chip holds the same information that is printed on the passport’s data page: the holder’s name, date of birth and other biographic information. An e-Passport also contains a biometric identifier. The U.S. requires that the chip contain a digital photograph of the holder. All e-Passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries and the U.S. have security features to prevent the unauthorized reading or "skimming" of data stored on the e-Passport chip.

Document Security System’s technologies will secure the paper portion of the e-Passport and CardLogix will provide the accompanying electronic chip.

"With the rise of identity thefts and the growing global threat of terrorism, it is critical for authorities to be able to identify people and screen out fraudulent documents quick and efficiently. This is especially true of e-Passports," said Patrick White, CEO of Document Security Systems.

The Document Security Systems and CardLogix partnership is the logical response to the growing demand for securing identity to control borders, combat terrorism and manage government services. These critical needs have made the demand for secure e-Passports greater than ever. According to Acuity Market Intelligence, currently 57 percent of global passports issued are electronic, and will rise to 88 percent by 2014.